The Order of Sports Merit

• Time Period: Post-WW2
• Institution: 25 January 1973
• Country: South Korea

The Order of Sports Merit (체육훈장 in Korean) is one of South Korea’s Orders of Merit. It is awarded to those who have rendered outstanding meritorious services in the interest of improving citizen’s physique and national status through sports.

The Order of Sports Merit is conferred in the following five classes:

• 1st Cheongnyong (Blue Dragon) 청룡장
• 2nd Maengho (Fierce Tiger) 맹호장
• 3rd Geosang (Giant Elephant) 거상장
• 4th Baengma (White Horse) 백마장
• 5th Girin (“Giraffe” – Although this refers to a mythical animal that on;y appears in times of prosperity and peace. It has also been called Chinese Unicorn or Kylin, Chi-lin and Kirin) 기린장

The Order of Sports Merit Design

The insignia of the order follows the general European usage of sashes, breast stars, etc.