Songpa-gu '2023 National Symbol Promotion' Presidential Citation in the Taegukgi Category

▲Seoul's Tallest 55m Large Taegeukgi Flag Raised at Garak Market Intersection
▲Songpa District Residents' Chorus: 1,815 Citizens Form Taegeukgi Shape, First in Seoul Autonomous Districts
▲Taegeukgi Flags Displayed Along Streets ▲Community-Led Promotion Activities Recognized for Taegeukgi Love Domestically and Internationally

Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) received the Presidential Citation in the ‘2023 National Symbol Promotion Merit Awards’ hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, gaining recognition for the district’s love of the Taegeukgi both domestically and internationally.

The district was the only local government nationwide to receive the Presidential Citation in this merit award. This was the result of continuously promoting the ‘Love the Nation Taegeukgi Display Campaign’ over the past year, striving to raise residents’ patriotism.

In particular, the district has timely carried out special activities to reflect on the meaning of the Taegeukgi, the symbol of the Republic of Korea, by focusing on various national holidays and commemorative days.

First, on last Samiljeol (March 1st Movement Day), a 55-meter tall large Taegeukgi flagpole?the tallest in Seoul?was erected at the Garak Market intersection, and a flag-raising ceremony was held. A cornerstone engraved with the Taegeukgi flag poem was also installed, turning the area into a landmark called the ‘Taegeukgi Street.’ By adding to the existing cluster of about 60 flags, the once ordinary intersection was reborn as a themed local attraction with enriched visual appeal.

Also, on August 15th, Liberation Day, a special choir event was held where 1,815 residents wore three-colored costumes to form the shape of the Taegeukgi and sang in unison?the first such event among Seoul’s autonomous districts. A patriotic song video incorporating local characteristics was also screened, further inspiring residents’ love for their community.

Moreover, the district has taken the lead in raising the Taegeukgi. On national holidays and commemorative days, 3,695 street flags are displayed along 33.34 km of 12 roads in Songpa, and 49 Taegeukgi demonstration streets in 27 neighborhoods have been designated, adding thousands more flags.

Resident-led promotion activities for flag raising have also been actively conducted. In all 27 neighborhoods, the Taegeukgi Love Movement Promotion Committee was organized, with about 650 members vigorously encouraging flag raising. It is also encouraging that traditional professional organizations such as the Saemaul Undong Council, Barugesalgi Movement, Korea Freedom Federation, and the Veterans Association directly held Taegeukgi relay campaigns and Taegeukgi drawing contests.

To increase the distribution rate of the Taegeukgi and create conditions for its display early on, the district presents display Taegeukgi flags to newlywed couples who register their marriage with an address in Songpa-gu.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, stated, “This Presidential Citation as the only local government nationwide is an achievement made possible by the 660,000 residents’ practice of loving the Taegeukgi and the district’s consistent support. Unprecedented new changes were made through courage and dedication. We will do our best to carry out creative and innovative district administration in the new year.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.