KIIP level 5 chapter 1:Symbols of Korea

Vocabulary 

1. 상징 - Symbol
2. 대한민국 - The Republic of Korea
3. 한자 - Chinese Character
4. 남한 - South Korea
5. 태극기 - The South Korean Flag 
6. 밝음 - Brightness
7. 순수 - Purity
8. 평화 - Peace 
9. 존귀 - Nobility
10. 우주 - Universe
11. 애국가 - National Anthem of Korea
12. 국기 - Flag
13. 국가 - Nation

KIIP Level 5 Chapter 1 Section 1: 대한민국의 국기와 국가는?

English Translation

The official name of Korea is 대한민국. 한국 is the shortened form of 대한민국. In hanja, it is 大韓民國, in English it is called The Republic of Korea. In general, it is called 남한 or South Korea, which is a name used to distinguish it from North Korea. The current name of the Republic of Korea has been in use since 1948. 

The national flag of the Republic of Korea is called the 태극기 (太極旗). The 태국기 has a white background with a red and blue 태극 motif in the center and 4 black trigrams (4괘) in the corners. The white background represents brightness (밝음), purity (순수), and love for peace (평화). The red in the central Taegeuk motif represents  nobility (존귀), and the blue represents hope (희망). The combination of red and blue represents a harmonious universe (조화로운 우주). The 4괘 around it represent the sky (간), the earth (곤), water (감), and fire (리), emphasizing the harmony of nature. Considering these meanings, it can be seen that the 태극기 emphasizes peace and harmony (평화와 화합). In Korea, it is common to hang the 태극기 on the side of your house door or window on national holidays or national anniversaries. 

Each country has a national anthem that symbolizes the country. In the Republic of Korea, the national anthem is called 애국가, which means "love of country" (나라를 사랑하는 노래). The 애국가, which has been in use for about 100 years, has a total of 4 verses (4절), but only the first verse is sung except for important national events.

KIIP Level 5 Chapter 1 Section 2:

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