You take out the Taegeukgi, then pause for a moment over how much space to leave below the flagpole finial.
A half-mast flag flown on days of mourning is not displayed the same way as the Taegeukgi on Liberation Day.
Today, as the 81st anniversary celebration is held in Seoul, at what height and where should it be displayed?
3-line summary
1. The Taegeukgi on Liberation Day is not flown at half-mast; it is raised to the very top.
2. For homes, the display period is from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
3. At a front gate, display it in the center or on the left; at an apartment, display it on the railing.
On Liberation Day, attach it to the flagpole finial
August 15, Liberation Day, is a national holiday along with March 1 Independence Movement Day, Constitution Day, National Foundation Day, and Hangeul Day. On celebratory holidays, raise the flag field of the Taegeukgi to immediately below the flagpole finial. This means leaving no space between the finial and the flag field.
The confusion arises because it looks similar to the half-mast flags seen on Memorial Day. A half-mast flag is displayed with the space between the finial and the flag field set at the width of the flag field. This method is used on days of mourning, such as Memorial Day or during a period of national mourning, and does not apply to Liberation Day. Article 9 of the National Flag Act of the Republic of Korea distinguishes celebratory holidays from days of mourning in this way.
It is a small gap, but it is the first thing to decide when displaying the Taegeukgi today. After raising the flagpole, simply raise the Taegeukgi all the way up so that it touches the finial.
From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.: How to display it at home
For households, private companies, and organizations displaying the Taegeukgi on Liberation Day, the standard period is from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. From March through 10, the lowering time for flags raised and lowered daily is also 6 p.m.
The Taegeukgi may also be displayed for 24 hours. At night, however, lighting must be provided so that the national flag can be seen. On days when rain, snow, or strong winds create a high risk of damage, the principle is not to display it forcibly. If you have taken out the flag, it is also worth checking for dirt or tears.
If it is already afternoon, it can also be helpful to organize the storage location and check the condition of the flagpole in advance for the next national holiday. The Taegeukgi is not something to use once and put in a drawer; it should be easy to take out according to the same standards on every national holiday.
The reference point for the front gate is outside the home, not inside
When deciding on placement, the standard most often reversed is the viewing direction. For detached houses and multi-unit residences, display it in the center or on the left of the front gate when viewed from outside the home. This means the left when looking at the house from the street, not the left when looking from inside the entrance.
In multi-unit residences such as apartments, it may be displayed on each household’s railing or balcony. When attaching it to a railing, first check that it does not obstruct entry or passage and that the flag will not continually touch the ground or exterior wall in the wind. If several flags must be displayed together on a building, the basic rule is to match the size of the other flags to that of the national flag.
The orientation of the Taegeuk design is another item to check once at the end. When the Taegeukgi is unfolded, hang it with the Geon trigram positioned at the upper left among the four trigrams. Before tying the fastening cord, briefly spread it out on the floor or a dining table and align its direction; this can reduce the trouble of untying and correcting it again above the railing.
Knowing these standards also makes it easier to determine the direction in other spaces, such as shops, offices, and vehicles. On a vehicle, attach it to the left when viewed from the front; around a building, use the center or left side of the ground-level front as the reference point.
Three things to check with the Taegeukgi you took out today
First, check whether the flag field is attached to the finial. Next, check whether the time is before 6 p.m. Finally, look at it once from outside the door to confirm that it is securely positioned in the center or on the left of the front gate, or on the railing of a multi-unit residence. Once you also confirm that the Geon trigram is at the upper left, preparation is complete.
These three points are more practical than a grand ceremony. If you distinguish between half-mast and celebratory display and get the timing and placement right, the Taegeukgi for Liberation Day will find its proper place.
Summary
For the 81st anniversary of Liberation Day, attach the Taegeukgi to the flagpole finial and display it during the day in an appropriate position when viewed from outside the home.