List of North Korean flags

This is a list of flags used by North Korea.

National

Flag Date Use Description
National Flag of North Korea

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1946–1948 Flag of the Provisional People's Committee for North Korea
 A white rectangular background, a red and blue Taeguk in the center that symbolizes a balance, and four black trigrams, on each corner of the flag.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1948–1992 Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Flag of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
 Red field with a blue bar on the top and bottom and a star in the center known as the red flag

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1992–present The size of circle and star is enlarged.

Political

Flag Date Use Description
President of the State Affairs of the DPRK

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 2018–present Flag of the president of the State Affairs Emblem of the president of the State Affairs on a red field. First seen during the First DPRK-US Summit in Singapore.[citation needed]
Workers' Party of Korea

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1946–1949 Flag of the Workers' Party of North Korea

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1949–present Flag of the Workers' Party of Korea Combination of a hammer (workers), a writing brush (intellectuals) and a Korean sickle (peasants), crossed over a red field.
Social Organs of the Workers' Party of Korea

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1946–present Flag of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League Emblem of Youth League on a red flag, with "Youth" (청년) on the emblem.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1945–present Flag of the Socialist Women's Union of Korea Flag with the name of the organization: "Women's League" (녀성동맹).

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1955–present Flag of the Korean Youth League in Japan [ja] Tricolor flag with the League's logo.
Other parties

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1945–present Flag of the Korean Social Democratic Party

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1946–present Flag of the Chondoist Chongu Party

Military

Flag Notes Use Description
Flags of Korean People's Army

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		1948 Flag of the Korean People's Army Initially designed in 1948 with the Emblem of North Korea in 1948. The slogan reads: "For the unification and independence of the motherland and the people" (조국의 통립과 인민을 위하여). Used only as ceremonial unit color for historical units beginning 2013.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		1948–1961 Used only as ceremonial unit color especially for Guards units beginning 2013.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1961–1992[1] Latest version shown; emblem adopted in 1992.[1] The slogan reads: "For the unification and independence of the motherland, and the freedom and happiness of the people" (조국의 통일, 독립과 인민의 자유와 행복을 위하여).

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		1992–1993 Emblem of DPRK updated to the one featuring the Paektu Mountain.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		1948–1993 With a red star with golden border and bearing a hammer and two sickles.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		1948–1961 Used for Guards units only, bearing a Guards badge with Korean letters reading "[Unit number] / 2nd (as in ceremonies) Infantry Division" (제2부병사단). Used only as ceremonial unit color for Guards units beginning 2013.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		1993–2023 Flag of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army Seen used during the October 1995 parade, observed very rarely.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag
FlagoftheKPA_onthestyleofDasREDeemr.png

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		2023–present Identical to the new flag of the ground forces except without the blue and white stripes. The slogan reads "For the endless prosperity of the fatherland and the health of the people! (조국의 무궁한 번영과 인민의 안녕을 위하여)", with the date of the founding of the KPA as 2 February 1948 in the canton.
Back_side_Flag_of_the_KPA.png

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		Party symbol placed within a design containing the façade of the WPK headquarters in Pyongyang.[2]
Flag of the Supreme Commander of the Korean Peoples' Army

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1996–2002 Flag of the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 2002–2020[3] The Supreme Commander Star on a red flag. Sometimes used as a war flag during military exercises.
Flags of the Branches of the Armed Forces of the DPRK

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		1993–2023[4] Flag of the Korean People's Army Ground Force Emblem of KPA with slogan: "For the unification and independence of the motherland, and the freedom and happiness of the people" (조국의 통일, 독립과 인민의 자유와 행복을 위하여).[1] The 4.25 commemorates the foundation of People's Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Army on April 25, 1932.[1] Also used since 2020 by the Special Operations and Strategic Forces as branch and unit colours. Still used by some units after its replacement in 2023.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		With Korean letters reading "Revolutionary armed forces of the Workers' Party of Korea, Korean People's Army [unit name] / No.425 unit (in ceremonies)" (조선로동당의 혁명적무장력인 조선인민군 제425 군부대). The number 425 commemorates the foundation of People's Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Army on April 25, 1932. Still used by some units after its replacement in 2023.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		1997–2011 Flag with modified slogan when Kim Jong Il was in power. The slogan: "Let us defend the headquarters of the revolution headed by the great Comrade Kim Jong Il with our lives!" (위대한 김정일동지를 수반으로 하는 혁명의 수뇌부를 목숨으로 사수하자!).[1] The name of Kim Jong Il is slightly enlarged.
Korean People’s Army Ground Force Flag
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		2023–present Identical to the former flag except the emblem of the KPA is defaced with the emblem of the DPRK emblazoned on largened red star. The slogan reads "For the endless prosperity of the fatherland and the health of the people! (조국의 무궁한 번영과 인민의 안녕을 위하여)", with the date of founding of the particular unit placed in the canton. This flag is used by units of the Ground Forces to serve as a unit flag. The date of foundation on the canton differs among KPAGF units of regiment/brigade level and above, independent battalions and educational institutions.
Korean People’s Army Ground Force Flag
Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		Identical to the former flag except the party symbol is placed within a design containing the facade of the WPK headquarters in Pyongyang.[2]

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		1993–2023[4] Flag of the Korean People's Army Navy Emblem of KPA with anchor. Still used by some units after its replacement in 2023.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		With Korean letters reading "Revolutionary armed forces of the Workers' Party of Korea, Korean People's Army [unit name] / No.415 unit (in ceremonies)" (조선로동당의 혁명적무장력인 조선인민군 제415 군부대). The number 415 commemorates the birthday of Kim Il-Sung on April 15.Still used by some units after its replacement in 2023.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		1997–2011 Flag with modified slogan when Kim Jong Il was in power. The slogan: "Let us defend the headquarters of the revolution headed by the great Comrade Kim Jong Il with our lives!" (위대한 김정일동지를 수반으로 하는 혁명의 수뇌부를 목숨으로 사수하자!).[1] The name of Kim Jong Il is slightly enlarged.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		2023–present Identical to the former flag except the emblem of the KPA is defaced with the emblem of the DPRK emblazoned on largened red star, surrounded by a laurel wreath, and surmounted by an anchor and steering wheel. The slogan reads "For the endless prosperity of the fatherland and the health of the people! (조국의 무궁한 번영과 인민의 안녕을 위하여)", with the date of founding of the particular unit placed in the canton. The representative flag of the whole branch displays the date 28 August 1949.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		Identical to the former flag except the party symbol is placed within a design containing the façade of the WPK headquarters in Pyongyang.[2]

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1993–2023,[4] (insignia updated in 2012) Flag of the Korean People's Army Air and Anti-Air Force Emblem of KPA with wings. Still used by some units after its replacement in 2023.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		1993–2023 With Korean letters reading "Revolutionary armed forces of the Workers' Party of Korea, Korean People's Army [unit name] / No.216 unit (in ceremonies)" (조선로동당의 혁명적무장력인 조선인민군 제216 군부대). The number 216 commemorates the birthday of Kim Jong-Il on February 16. Still used by some units after its replacement in 2023.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		1993–2012 (modified slogan 1997–2011) Flag with modified slogan when Kim Jong Il was in power. The slogan: "Let us defend the headquarters of the revolution headed by the great Comrade Kim Jong Il with our lives!" (위대한 김정일동지를 수반으로 하는 혁명의 수뇌부를 목숨으로 사수하자!).[1] The name of Kim Jong Il is slightly enlarged. Wings and a star above the KPA emblem.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		2023–present Identical to the former flag except the emblem of the KPAAF is defaced with the emblem of the DPRK emblazoned on largened red star with additional stars at the top. Lower stripes are arranged as chevrons, and with six trailing jet fighters emerging behind the emblem. The slogan reads "For the endless prosperity of the fatherland and the health of the people! (조국의 무궁한 번영과 인민의 안녕을 위하여)", with the date of founding of the particular unit placed in the canton. The representative flag of the whole branch displays the date 29 November 1945.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		Identical to the former flag except the party symbol is placed within a design containing the façade of the WPK headquarters in Pyongyang.[2]

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		2018–2020 Flag of the Korean People's Army Strategic Force Emblem of KPA on an upper half globe

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		With Korean letters reading "Revolutionary armed forces of the Workers' Party of Korea, Korean People's Army [unit name] / No.108 unit (in ceremonies)" (조선로동당의 혁명적무장력인 조선인민군 제108 군부대). The number 108 commemorates the birthday of Kim Jong-Un on January 8.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		2023–present Flag of the Missile General Bureau The Flag of the Missile General Bureau is seen with its Emblem in a large form with the founding date of 2016.4.30, The slogan reads "For the endless prosperity of the fatherland and the health of the people! (조국의 무궁한 번영과 인민의 안녕을 위하여)"

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		Identical to the Backside flags of the KPA except the party symbol is placed within a design containing the façade of the WPK headquarters in Pyongyang.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		2018–2020 Flag of the Korean People's Army Special Operation Force Emblem of KPA with the Big Dipper.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		With Korean letters reading "Revolutionary armed forces of the Workers' Party of Korea, Korean People's Army [unit name]". / No.506 unit (in ceremonies)" (조선로동당의 혁명적무장력인 조선인민군 제506 군부대). The number 506 commemorates the 7th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea on May 6, 2016.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		2007–2018 Flag of the Worker-Peasant Red Guards Slogan used until 2012, since then the flag shares the same motto as the rest of the KPA. Has the emblem of the Guards in center.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		With Korean letters reading "Worker-Peasant Red Guards".

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		2023 – present Flag of the Worker-Peasant Red Guards The slogan reads "For the endless prosperity of the fatherland and the health of the people! (조국의 무궁한 번영과 인민의 안녕을 위하여)"

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 		With Korean letters reading "Worker-Peasant Red Guards".

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag

2023 – present Flag of the Ministry of Social Security The slogan reads "For the endless prosperity of the fatherland and the health of the people! (조국의 무궁한 번영과 인민의 안녕을 위하여)"
2023 – present Flag of the Ministry of State Security The slogan reads "For the endless prosperity of the fatherland and people's victory! (조국의 무궁한 번영과 인민의 승리를 위하여)"
Naval Ensigns

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1990s–present Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Naval Ensign of North Korea Red flag with Paektu Mountain in rays in a disc with national color outlines and a red star.

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1990s–present Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Naval Ensign of North Korea for Guards Units

Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag		 1990s–present Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Naval Jack of North Korea

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Tertitskiy, Fyodor (10 April 2018). "What North Korea's army flags can teach us about its recent history". NK News. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d "New Flags of the KPA".
  3. ^ "North Korea completes erasure of Kim Jong Un's 'supreme commander' symbol | NK News". NK News. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  4. ^ a b c "Colors of KPA Redesigned". KCNA. 13 February 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2023.

Further reading

  • Thomas, Dean (2014). "Flags and Emblems of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea". Raven: A Journal of Vexillology. 21: 95–115. doi:10.5840/raven2014215. ISSN 1071-0043.

External links

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