taegeuk

Taegeuk refers to the great ultimate and the balance of cosmic forces in Korean philosophy and culture. The term is closely associated with the central symbol on the Korean national flag, the taegeukgi, as well as with traditional ideas about harmony, change, and interdependence.

Etymology and symbolism

Taegeuk combines tae, meaning great, with geuk or geuk, denoting an ultimate principle or boundary. The symbol is a circle divided into a red upper half and a blue lower half, curving to form a continuous swirl. Each half contains a small dot of the opposite color, signaling that the forces are interdependent and capable of transformation into one another. This reflects a Korean interpretation of the yin–yang concept, emphasizing dynamic balance rather than static opposition.

Flag representation

On the taegeukgi, the red (yang) and blue (yin) halves represent opposing but complementary energies that give rise to harmony in the universe. The circle’s motion conveys perpetual change and cyclic renewal. The flag also features four black trigrams at the corners, each associated with elements and natural forces such as heaven, earth, fire, and water.

In martial arts

Taegeuk is used in taekwondo to name a system of forms developed under Kukkiwon. The eight taegeuk poomsae, from Taegeuk Il Jang to Taegeuk Pal Jang, correspond to the eight trigrams and teach balance, control, and the application of cosmic principles in training and competition.

Cultural significance

Beyond flags and sport, taegeuk motifs appear in architecture, art, crafts, and religious or philosophical contexts, reflecting a long-standing Korean emphasis on harmony, balance, and cyclical transformation.