Page 23 - Blog 2015 - Korea in Canada

KoREa In Canada
KoREa-Canada Blog 2015

MeaninG
our current national flag was adopted in october 1997 and it consists
the same 3 parts as previous flags: a white background, a red and blue
taegeuk in the middle, and four black trigrams on each corner of the flag.

First of all, the background is white, which is a traditional Korean
colour, meaning our nation’s purity and peace.

The taegeuk mark in the center is derived from the philosophy of yin-
yang and represents the balance of the universe. The blue part represents
the negative cosmic forces, and the red section represents the opposing
positive cosmic forces.

The 4 trigrams on each corner were selected from the original eight,
which included: Earth, Thunder, Fire, lake, Heaven, Wind, Water, and
Mountain. The four trigrams that represent the most fundamental element
of the universe were chosen and these are the heaven, water, fire, and
earth.
First of all, the trigram at the top left corner is called “geon(건)”,
which represents the heaven. It also represents summer, south, father,
fire (for the Five Primary Substance), and vitality.
Secondly, the trigram at the bottom left corner is called “Ri(리)”, which
represents the fire. It also represents spring, east, son, wood (for the Five
Primary Substance), and growth.
Thirdly, the trigram at the top right corner is called “gam(감)”, which
represents the water. It also represents autumn, west, daughter, metal (for
the Five Primary Substance), and fruition.
lastly, the trigram at the bottom right corner is called “gon(곤)”,
which represents the earth. It also represents winter, north, mother, water
(for the Five Primary Substance) and the beginning.

This year marks the 70 anniversary of the liberation day. Please take
th
a moment in your day to pay your respect to all the fallen heroes who
died fighting for Korea’s independence. Rest in Peace.

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