List of Korean flags
Introduction This is a list of flags used by South Korea, North Korea, and their predecessor states.
Korean reunification flag FlagDateUseDescription1991–presentKorean Unification FlagUsed to represent the whole of Korea when North and South participate together in international sporting events.
National FlagDateUseDescriptionPresent national flags of North and South Korea150x150px1948–presentFlag of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea'' (Ramhongsaek Konghwagukki)''Red field with a blue bar on the top and bottom and a star in the center known as the red flag. Current, post-1992 version shown.150x150px1948–presentFlag of the Republic of Korea'' (Taegeukgi)''White field with a red and blue ''taegeuk'' in the center and four black trigrams, one in each corner of the flag. Modified several times since its original adoption in 1948.Current, post-2011 version shown.Historical versions150x150pxExtant 1392 The Royal flag of the Goryeo dynastyAlso known as the "Bong-gi", which means "The Phoenix Flag".150x150pxExtant 1392 The Royal banner of the Goryeo dynasty.Also known as the "Haema-gi", which means "The Seahorse Flag".150x150pxExtant 1392 The Royal banner of the Goryeo dynasty.Also known as the "Sang-gi", which means "The Elephant Flag".150x150pxExtant 1856 Flag of the Joseon dynasty150x150pxExtant 1876 The Personal standard of the King of Joseon150x150px1882–1907 Royal standard of the Joseon dynasty150x150px1897–1910 Imperial standard of the Korean Empire150x150px *Flag of the Korean EmpireThe third version from the top is depicted in the 1882 U.S. Navy book, ''Flags of Maritime Nations''. Lowest is the version found in the 1944 United States postage stamp series.The former Korean imperial flag had a different ''taegeuk'' from that in the current South Korean flag. Note that the 1882 U.S. Navy depiction may be left-right reversed. The arrangement of the trigrams was not officially fixed until an ordinance of 1948, when the South Korean government was established.150x150px150x150px 150x150px150x150px1919–1948 The flag of the Provisional Government of the Republic of KoreaIn exile in Shanghai and Chungking located in China150x150px1945–1946 Flag of the People's Republic of KoreaUsed by the People's Committees throughout postwar Korea150x150px1946–1948Flag of the Provisional People's Committee for North KoreaA white rectangular background, a red and blue Taeguk in the center that symbolizes a balance, and four black trigrams, on each corner of the flag.150x150px1948–1992Flag of the Democratic People's Republic of KoreaRed field with a blue bar on the top and bottom and a star in the center known as the red flag150x150pxCivil and state flag and ensign of the First Republic of South Korea.This flag was designed by the first National Assembly.150x150pxCivil and state flag and ensign of the First, Second, Third, Fourth and the Fifth Republic of South Korea.This flag was designed by the Ministry of Education and Culture in October 1949.The exact colors were not specified.150x150pxCivil and state flag and ensign of the Fifth and Sixth Republic of South Korea.In February 1984, with the enactment of regulations on the South Korean flag, the South Korean government re-designated the colors. The exact color was not specified.150x150pxCivil and state flag and ensign of the Sixth Republic of South Korea.In October 1997, the South Korean government officially specified the exact colors to be used on the flag via presidential decree.
Political flags FlagDateParty 150px  1935–1947  Korean National Revolutionary Party  150px 1926–? Down-with-Imperialism Union  150px 1909–1940sKorean National Association 150px  150px  1913–current
North Korean government FlagDateUseDescriptionStandard of the chairman of the State Affairs Commission2018–presentFlag of the chairman of the State Affairs CommissionEmblem of the chairman of the State Affairs Commission on a dark red field.Political organizations150x150px 1949–presentFlag of the Workers' Party of KoreaCombination of a hammer (workers), a writing brush (intellectuals) and a Korean sickle (peasants), crossed over a red field.150x150px 1946–presentFlag of the Socialist Patriotic Youth LeagueEmblem of Youth League on a red flag, with "Youth" () on the emblem.150x150px 1945–presentFlag of the Socialist Women's Union of KoreaFlag with the name of the organization: "Women's League" ().150x150px 1955–presentFlag of the Tricolor flag with the League's logo.
South Korean government FlagDateUseDescriptionPresidential standard150x150px 1967–presentPresidential StandardTwo Phoenix taking golden ''Hibiscus syriacus'' under their wings.Standard of the prime minister150x150px 1988–presentStandard of the prime ministerGolden ''Hibiscus syriacus'' inlaid in symbolic ''Hibiscus syriacus'' insigniaFlag of the National Government150x150px 1988–2016Flag of the National GovernmentSymbolic ''Hibiscus syriacus'' insignia, inlaid with the word , or ''Government''.150x150px 2016–presentFlag of the National Government''Taeguk'' with the words "Republic of Korea Government" below.150x150px 2005–presentFlag of the South Korean national police agency.150x150px2005–presentFlag of the South Korean coast guardInsignia of the South Korean coast guard, with the words 해양경찰청 ("Maritime Police Agency")Flag of the Committee for the Five Northern Korean Provinces150x150px 1949–2016Flag of the Committee for the Five Northern Korean provincesSymbolic ''Hibiscus syriacus'' insignia, covered by a blue arrow.150x150px 2016–presentFlag of the Committee for the Five Northern Korean Provinces''Taeguk'' with the words "Committee for the Five Northern Korean Provinces" below.Political flags150x150px?–presentFlag of the People Power Party150x150px?–presentFlag of the Justice Party
Military ===Korea===FlagDateUseDescription150x150px War flagShows a version of the Lo shu magic square.150x150px blacksmith flagAs one of the military flags of the Joseon Dynasty, it is called Sujagi (帥字旗) or Sugi (帥旗). During the Joseon Dynasty, it was hung as a mark of the general in the military camp. As for the shape, the word for "command" (帥) is engraved in black letters on the pressed color, and some have a dream (decoration of the flag) around the flag.150x150px 4th centuryMilitary Flag of GoguryeoA Simple Red Field.150x150px Late 5th CenturyMilitary Flag of GoguryeoA Red Swallowtail Banner with a Yellow stripe.150x150px Half 5th CenturyMilitary Flag of GoguryeoA Black 4 Pointed Banner with 3 White Stripes.150x150px Military Flag of BaekjeA Simple Yellow Field. 150x150px Military Flag of SillaA Blue Field with a White Crescent Moon in the center.===North Korea===FlagDateUseDescription150x150px1996–2002Flag of the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army150x150px2002–2022Flag of the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's ArmyThe Supreme Commander Star on a red flag. Sometimes used as a war flag during military exercises.150x150px1948Flag of the Korean People's ArmyInitially designed in 1948 with the Emblem of North Korea in 1948.The slogan reads: "For the unification and independence of the motherland and the people" (). Used only as ceremonial unit color for historical units beginning 2013.150x150px1948–1961Used only as ceremonial unit color especially for Guards units beginning 2013.150x150px1961–1992Latest version shown; emblem adopted in 1992.The slogan reads: "For the unification and independence of  the motherland, and the freedom and happiness of the people" ().150x150px1992–1993Emblem of DPRK updated to the one featuring the Paektu Mountain.150x150px1948–1993With a red star with golden border and bearing a hammer and two sickles.150x150px1948–1961Guards badge with Korean letters reading "Unit number / 2nd (as in ceremonies) Infantry Division" (제2부병사단). Used only as ceremonial unit color for Guards units beginning 2013.150x150px1993–2023Flag of the General Staff of the  Korean People's ArmySeen used during the October 1995 parade, observed very rarely.150x150px 150x150px2023–presentIdentical to the new flag of the ground forces except without the blue and white stripes. The slogan reads "For the endless prosperity of the fatherland and the health of the people! (조국의 무궁한 번영과 인민의 안녕을 위하여)", with the date of the founding of the KPA as 2 February 1948 in the canton.150x150pxParty symbol placed within a design containing the façade of the WPK headquarters in Pyongyang.150x150px1996–2002Flag of the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army150x150px2002–2020The Supreme Commander Star on a red flag. Sometimes used as a war flag during military exercises.frameless1993–2023Flag of the People's Army Ground ForceEmblem of KPA with slogan: "For the unification and independence of  the motherland, and the freedom and happiness of the people" ().The 4.25 commemorates the foundation of People's Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Army on April 25, 1932.Also used since 2020 by the Special Operations and Strategic Forces as branch and unit colours.150x150pxReverse side of the flag of the Korean People's Army Ground Force.With Korean letters reading "Revolutionary armed forces of the Workers' Party of Korea, Korean People's Army unit name / No.425 unit (in ceremonies)" ().The number 425 commemorates the foundation of People's Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Army on April 25, 1932.150x150px1997–2011Flag of the People's Army Ground ForceFlag with modified slogan when Kim Jong Il was in power. The slogan: "Let us defend the headquarters of the revolution headed by the great Comrade Kim Jong Il with our lives!" (). The name of Kim Jong Il is slightly enlarged.Korean People’s Army Ground Force Flag2023–presentFlag of the People's Army Ground ForceIdentical to the former flag except the emblem of the KPA is defaced with the emblem of the DPRK emblazoned on largened red star. The slogan reads "For the endless prosperity of the fatherland and the health of the people! (조국의 무궁한 번영과 인민의 안녕을 위하여)", with the date of founding of the particular unit placed in the canton. This flag is used by units of the Ground Forces to serve as a unit flag. The date of foundation on the canton differs among KPAGF units of regiment/brigade level and above, independent battalions and educational institutions.Korean People’s Army Ground Force FlagReverse side of the flag of the Korean People's Army Ground Force.Identical to the former flag except the party symbol is placed within a design containing the facade of the WPK headquarters in Pyongyang.frameless1993–2023Flag of the People's NavyEmblem of KPA with anchor.150x150pxReverse side of the flag of the flag of Korean People's Navy.With Korean letters reading "Revolutionary armed forces of the Workers' Party of Korea, Korean People's Army unit name / No.415 unit (in ceremonies)" ().The number 415 commemorates the birthday of Kim Il-Sung on April 15.150x150px 1997–2011Flag of the People's NavyFlag with modified slogan when Kim Jong Il was in power. The slogan: "Let us defend the headquarters of the revolution headed by the great Comrade Kim Jong Il with our lives!" (). The name of Kim Jong Il is slightly enlarged.150x150px2023–presentFlag of the People's NavyIdentical to the former flag except the emblem of the KPA is defaced with the emblem of the DPRK emblazoned on largened red star, surrounded by a laurel wreath, and surmounted by an anchor and steering wheel. The slogan reads "For the endless prosperity of the fatherland and the health of the people! (조국의 무궁한 번영과 인민의 안녕을 위하여)", with the date of founding of the particular unit placed in the canton. The representative flag of the whole branch displays the date 28th August 1949.150x150pxReverse side of the flag of the flag of Korean People's Navy.Identical to the former flag except the party symbol is placed within a design containing the façade of the WPK headquarters in Pyongyang.frameless1990s–presentNaval ensign of North KoreaRed flag with Paektu Mountain in rays in a disc with national color outlines and a red star.150x150px1990s–presentNaval Ensign of North Korea for Guards Units150x150px1990s–presentNaval Jack of North Koreaframeless1993–2023, (insignia updated in 2012)Flag of the Korean People's Army Air and Anti-Air ForceEmblem of KPA with wings.150x150px 1993–2023Reverse side of the flag of the Korean People's Army Air and Anti-Air Force.With Korean letters reading "Revolutionary armed forces of the Workers' Party of Korea, Korean People's Army unit name / No.216 unit (in ceremonies)" ().The number 216 commemorates the birthday of Kim Jong-Il on February 16.150x150px 1993–2012 (modified slogan 1997–2011)Flag of the Korean People's Army Air and Anti-Air ForceFlag with modified slogan when Kim Jong Il was in power. The slogan: "Let us defend the headquarters of the revolution headed by the great Comrade Kim Jong Il with our lives!" (). The name of Kim Jong Il is slightly enlarged. Wings and a star above the KPA emblem.150x150px2023–presentFlag of the Korean People's Army Air and Anti-Air ForceIdentical to the former flag except the emblem of the KPAAF is defaced with the emblem of the DPRK emblazoned on largened red star with additional stars at the top. Lower stripes are arranged as chevrons, and with six trailing jet fighters emerging behind the emblem. The slogan reads "For the endless prosperity of the fatherland and the health of the people! (조국의 무궁한 번영과 인민의 안녕을 위하여)", with the date of founding of the particular unit placed in the canton. The representative flag of the whole branch displays the date 29 November 1945.150x150pxReverse side of the flag of the Korean People's Army Air and Anti-Air Force.Identical to the former flag except the party symbol is placed within a design containing the façade of the WPK headquarters in Pyongyang.frameless2018–2020Flag of the Strategic ForceEmblem of KPA on an upper half globe150x150px ?–present(First appearance in 2018)Reverse side of the flag of the flag of the Korean People's Army Strategic Force.With Korean letters reading "Revolutionary armed forces of the Workers' Party of Korea, Korean People's Army unit name / No.108 unit (in ceremonies)" ().The number 108 commemorates the birthday of Kim Jong-Un on January 8.150x150px2023–presentFlag of the Missile General BureauThe Flag of the Missile General Bureau is seen with its Emblem in a large form with the founding date of 2016.4.30, The slogan reads "For the endless prosperity of the fatherland and the health of the people! (조국의 무궁한 번영과 인민의 안녕을 위하여)"Identical to the Backside flags of the KPA except the party symbol is placed within a design containing the façade of the WPK headquarters in Pyongyang.150x150px2018–2020Flag of the Special Operation ForceEmblem of KPA with the Big Dipper.150x150px ?–present(First appearance in 2018)Reverse side of the flag of the flag of the Korean People's Army Special Operation Force.With Korean letters reading "Revolutionary armed forces of the Workers' Party of Korea, Korean People's Army unit name". / No.506 unit (in ceremonies)" ().The number 506 commemorates the 7th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea on May 6, 2016.150x150px2007–2018Flag of the Worker-Peasant Red GuardsSlogan used until 2012, since then the flag shares the same motto as the rest of the KPA.150x150pxReverse side of the flag of the Worker-Peasant Red GuardsWith Korean letters reading "Worker-Peasant Red Guards". 150x150px  2023-Present Flag of the Worker-Peasant Red Guards The slogan reads "For the endless prosperity of the fatherland and the health of the people! (조국의 무궁한 번영과 인민의 안녕을 위하여)" 150x150px  With Korean letters reading "Worker-Peasant Red Guards".===South Korea=== Flag Date Use Description 150x150px 1948–present  Flag of the Armed Forces  Insignia of the armed forces on a red field.150x150px?–presentFlag of the Minister of National Defense150x150px?–presentFlag of the Vice Minister of National Defense150x150px?–presentFlag of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 150x150px 1946–present  Flag of the Army  Insignia of the army on a field parted ''per fess''; above is white, below is blue.150x150px?–presentFlag of the Chief of Staff of the Army150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Daejang''150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Jungjang''150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Sojang''150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Junjang''150x150px 1955–present  Naval ensign, navy flag, and naval jack  ''Taegeuk'' on crossed anchors in a white canton on a blue field150x150px?–presentFlag of the Chief of Naval Operations150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Daejang''150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Jungjang''150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Sojang''150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Junjang'' 150x150px 1952–present  Flag of the Marine Corps  The similarity with the flag of the United States Marine Corps shows the strong influence of the United States since the creation of South Korean armed forces.150x150px?–presentFlag of the Commandant of the Marine Corps150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Jungjang''150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Sojang''150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Junjang'' 150x150px 1952–present  Flag of the Air Force It is also used as the flag of the Air Force150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Chief of Staff of the Air Force''150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Daejang''150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Jungjang''150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Sojang''150x150px?–presentFlag of the ''Junjang'' 150x150px 1968–present  Flag of the Republic of Korea Reserve Forces
See also * List of North Korean flags* List of South Korean flags
References