This Taegeukgi (Korean flag) is thought to have been used during the Korean War in the 1950s. It appears to have been printed onto white cloth, then colored in. Around the central Taegeuk pattern, the order of the trigrams is different from that of the Korean flag today. Going clockwise from the top left, they stand for water, heaven, fire, and earth. Judging from the string tied to the top left corner, it is thought it was tied to a pole or flag staff. The creases are clearly defined, with stains that appear to be blood or mud.
Donated by Lee Gyeong-hun
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.