The current flag of South
Korea, known as the Taeguki was originally adopted in
1882. The flag is white, the national color of the country,
representing peace and purity. Centered on the flag is a red
and blue Taeguk, commonly recognized as a symbol of Yin and
Yang. Typically red is the Yang, and embraces the opposite
concept of the Yin, most often represented by the color blue.
“Yin and yang are opposite and struggle each other while they
cooperate in harmony.” There are four additional symbols
distributed in each corner of the flag, called Kwae. Each Kwae
consists of three bars, either solid representing Yang, or
broken representing Yin. Each Kwae has an individual meaning,
however interpretations vary. In general they represent
different, opposing elements of the universe. |
