The
Korean flag is called "Taegeukgi" in Korean. Its design symbolizes the
principles of the yin and yang in Oriental philosophy. The circle in the center
of the flag is divided into two equal parts. The upper red section represents
the proactive cosmic forces of the yang. Conversely, the lower blue section
represents the responsive cosmic forces of the yin. The two forces together
embody the concepts of continual movement, balance and harmony that characterize
the sphere of infinity. The circle is surrounded by four trigrams, one in
each corner. Each trigram symbolizes one of the four universal elements:
heaven
(
), earth
(
),
water (
)
and
fire(
).