The Order of Civil Merit or Order of the White Star

• Time Period: Post-WW2
• Institution: 22 December 1951 (as Order of the White Star)
• Country: South Korea

The Order of Civil Merit (국민훈장 in Korean) is one of South Korea’s orders of merit. It is awarded by the President of the country for “outstanding meritorious services in the area of politics, economy, society, education, art or science in the interest of improving citizens’ welfare and promoting national development.” The Order was awarded to government employees who distinguished themselves with outstanding services in the performance of their duties. Military personnel and civilian employees were excluded from this award.

The Order is based on the Order of the White Star, which was translated as Order of Civil Merit in the 1958 and 1964 versions. In 1967, the Order was renamed to The Order of Service Merit.

The Order of Civil Merit is divided into five grades:

• 1st Mugunghwa Medal (무궁화장)
• 2nd Moran Medal (모란장)
• 3rd Dongbaek Medal (동백장)
• 4th Mongnyeon Medal (목련장)
• 5th Seongnyu Medal (석류장)

The Order of Civil Merit Design

The Order of Civil Merit has four classes. Its design shows a cap in the center of the star, with a chain band around it and a small ring, which binds the ribbon to the cap.

This symbol represents the formal dress of civil officials during the Yi Dynasty (1392-1910). The Mungunghwa and its leaves symbolize national prosperity. The sun rays, national prestige. And the books or scrolls on the suspension the knowledge and wisdom expected from government officials.