North Korea Flag

What does the flag of North Korea look like? The North Korean flag is a wide red horizontal band bordered by two thin white horizontal bands, which are bordered by two blue stripes. In the center-left is a red five-pointed star inside of a white circle. North Korea's flag is called Ramhongsaek Konghwagukgi, which means "blue and red-colored flag of the republic." It was officially adopted on September 8, 1948.

Meaning of the Flag

The colors and symbols of North Korea’s flag hold significant meaning behind them. Breaking down the elements of the flag, the star is a symbol of communism and socialism. The stripes on the flags represent traditions, peace, sovereignty, friendship and purity. The colors of the flag are considered to be national colors.

However, other groups have stated that the symbols and colors of the flag mean different things. For example, the Korean Friendship Association says that the star represents revolutionary traditions. The stripes are said to symbolize patriotism, determination, ethnic purity and unity of the nation.

Colors of the Flag

The colors of the Korean flag are red, white and blue – the country’s national colors. The flag features a wide red stripe down the center. This is said to represent the revolutionary traditions of the nation. On either side of the red stripe are thin white stripes, which represent purity. There are also two blue stripes which are said to symbolize unity. On the hoist side of the red stripe is a red five-pointed star in a white circle. Though it is believed that this is a political sign, others say that this simply stands for the country’s traditions.

History of the Flag

Beginning in the 19th century, North Korea was under the rule of the Korean Empire. During this time, the flag Taegukgi was flown. This flag featured a yin-yang and four trigrams. This flag was replaced by Japan’s flag after Imperial Japan occupied the Korean Peninsula.

After the defeat of Japan in World War II, Japan relinquished control of Korea and the Soviet Union took over the northern half. The flag of the Soviet Union was used from 1945 through 1948. However, when the country gained its independence, it also gained a new national flag. The flag was introduced in July of 1948 and was made official later that year in September.

Flag Facts

Use of the North Korean flag in South Korean is prohibited. There are, however, a few exceptions.

North Korea’s flag is known as the Ramhongsaek Konghwagugki, which translates to mean “red colored flag of the republic.”

A 600-pound flag flies from the world’s fourth tallest flagpole, which stands 520 feet tall.