The flag was adopted in August 1882. Its white background is for peace, while the central emblem represents yin-yang (Korean um-yang), the duality of the universe. The black bars recall sun, moon, earth, heaven and other Confucian principles. Outlawed under Japanese rule, the flag was revived in 1945 and slightly modified in 1950 and 1984.

Korea, South Official name: Taehan Min'guk (Republic of Korea). Form of government: unitary multiparty republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [299]). Head of state and government: President, assisted by Prime Minister. Population (1998): 46,451,000. Population projection: (2000) 47,386,000; (2010) 50,317,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1997): 8.7 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$483,130,000,000 (U.S.$10,610 per capita).

© 2001 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated