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Tag: South Korean Orders

The Order of Merit for National Foundation

The Order of Merit for National Foundation (건국훈장 in Korean) was established on Apr. 27, 1949 and is one of South Korea’s orders of merit.

The Order of Merit for National Foundation (건국훈장 in Korean) was established on Apr. 27, 1949 and is one of South Korea’s orders of merit. The Order is awarded by the President of South Korea for “outstanding meritorious services in the interest of founding or laying a foundation for the Republic of Korea.”

The Order was originally established under a slightly different name, 건국공로훈장 (建國功勞勳章) and is the oldest Order of the Republic of Korea. On Jan. 16, 1967, there were major changes made to the Order under Presidential Decree #2929. The name was shortened from 건국공로훈장 (建國功勞勳章) to 건국훈장 (建國勳章), and all three classes got new names and designs.

The Order of Merit for National Foundation Design

The Order of Merit for National Foundation is awarded in five grades:

  • 1st Republic of Korea Medal (대한민국장)
  • 2nd Presidential Medal (대통령장)
  • 3rd Independence Medal (독립장)
  • 4th Patriotic Medal (애국장)
  • 5th National Medal (애족장)

The Grand Order of Mugunghwa

The Grand Order of Mugunghwa is the highest order awarded by the government of South Korea and takes its name from the rose of Sharon.

The Grand Order of Mugunghwa (무궁화대훈장 in Korean) is the highest order awarded by the government of South Korea. It takes its name from South Korea’s national flower, the rose of Sharon (a cultivar native to the Korean peninsula and has great cultural significance in Korean history).

The medal is awarded to the President of South Korea (it may also be awarded to their spouse), heads or former heads of state of South Korean allies, and their spouses for “outstanding meritorious services in the interest of promoting the development and security of the Republic of Korea.”

The Grand Order of Mugunghwa Design

The Order may be made of gold, silver, ruby, and amethyst and consists of an insignia worn around the neck, a badge affixed to sash worn over the shoulder, and a star with a ribbon and a lapel badge as necessary.