Residents of Apartments in Chilgok, Gyeongbuk Show Unique Patriotism
"Let's Create an Atmosphere to Make the Taegeukgi Familiar"
An apartment complex in Chilgok, Gyeongbuk, where 176 out of 192 households displayed the Taegeukgi, is drawing attention for showing an exceptional spirit of patriotism.
On the 15th, marking Liberation Day, Museong Apartment in Waegwan-eup, Chilgok-gun, hung the Taegeukgi on every balcony, reflecting on the meaning of liberation and the spirit of love for the country.
A view of Chilgok Museong Apartment displaying the Taegeukgi flag in celebration of Liberation Day. [Photo by Chilgok-gun]
Except for households temporarily vacant due to vacations during the bridge holiday or moving, almost all families participated in displaying the Taegeukgi.
Museong Apartment is located near the 'Bridge of National Defense,' which was blown up during the Korean War to stop the advance of North Korean troops, and the 'Patriotic Hill,' which honors the noble sacrifices of patriotic martyrs and national heroes.
The residents' exceptional love for the Taegeukgi was made possible by the efforts of Kim Geumsuk (60, female), the community leader, and the block leaders, along with the free Taegeukgi support from the Chilgok-gun branch of the Korea Freedom Federation.
Community leader Kim said, "At first, I thought the residents would not respond well to the suggestion of hanging the Taegeukgi for Liberation Day. However, every household responded with smiles and participated."
Chilgok-gun not only hung the Taegeukgi at major intersections and streets but also fostered a social atmosphere and consensus through the official SNS of Chilgok-gun Office and community leader meetings.
Kim Jaewook, the mayor of Chilgok-gun, said, "I would like to thank all the residents who actively participated in hanging the Taegeukgi, living as descendants of the city of national defense that saved the Republic of Korea during the desperate crisis of the Korean War. We will focus on creating a social atmosphere where the Taegeukgi can become more familiar not only on national holidays but also in everyday life."
According to a survey conducted by Korea Research in 2022, half of the respondents (53%) said they do not hang the Taegeukgi on national holidays or major commemorative days. The tendency not to display the Taegeukgi was more pronounced among younger age groups. Among those aged 18-29, 70% said they do not hang the Taegeukgi, and 65% of people in their 30s responded similarly.
Seventy-five percent of respondents positively evaluated the practice of displaying the national flag on national holidays or commemorative days, but one in four of these did not own a Taegeukgi. Among people in their 20s and 30s, only half owned a Taegeukgi. The main reason for not displaying the flag was the lack of a suitable place to hang it at their residence.
In preparation for the 80th anniversary of Liberation in 2025, the government announced that starting next year, calendars will mark 'Taegeukgi Hanging Day' to promote the culture of displaying the Taegeukgi. Additionally, permanent national flag sales stands will be installed at convenience stores, banks, and large supermarkets to make it easier for citizens to purchase the Taegeukgi.
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