Emblem of North Korea

The National Emblem of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea stands as one of the important national symbols of North Korea. It shows a bright red star shining above, a large hydroelectric plant representing the Sup'ung Dam, and the tall, respected Mount Paektu in the background. This design shares some looks with the emblem of the Soviet Union and follows a style known as socialist heraldic. The emblem was created by Kim Chu-gyŏng, a talented painter and leader of the Pyongyang Art College, who also helped design the national flag.

Description

The national emblem of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea shows a big power station under Mount Paektu. There is also a bright five-pointed red star and rice ears forming an oval shape around the design. A red ribbon at the bottom has the words "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea" written in Chosŏn'gŭl letters.

The power station shown is the Sup'ung Dam. The mountain, Mount Paektu, is important in the history and culture of Korea. The design of the emblem follows a style used by many countries that follow communist ideas, showing the history and beliefs of North Korea during the Cold War.

History

After the Soviet Union helped free Korea from Japan, several designs were used as symbols for northern Korea. The first design appeared on January 1, 1946, showing the Korean Peninsula surrounded by wheat and ribbons, much like the Soviet State Emblem. This showed that North and the South were once one country.

Later, a new design was suggested, showing a mountain and a lake. It was changed again to show a dam instead of a furnace, representing North Korea's growing industry. This design was officially adopted on September 8, 1948. In 1993, the mountain was changed to Mount Paektu to strengthen the leadership of the Kim family.

Construction

On October 20, 1993, a law was created to describe the colors and sizes used in North Korea's national emblem.

Construction

Historical national emblems

Here are some important emblems from Korea's past:

• Emblem of Great Joseon (1884-1897)
• Royal Emblem of Great Joseon
• Imperial emblem of the Korean Empire (1897–1910)
• Emblem of the Korean Empire (1903–1910)
• Emblem of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea (1919–1945)
• Emblem of the People's Republic of Korea (1945–1946)
• Emblem of the Provisional People's Committee of North Korea (1946–1947)
• Reconstruction of the first equivalent of an emblem published in Chŏngro in 1946
• The draft emblem defined by the provisional constitution of February 1948
• The draft emblem as revised in July 1948
• The emblem used from 8 September 1948 until 20 October 1993; note the generic mountain range
• The emblem used since 20 October 1993, revised to include Mount Paektu
• Alternative emblem, sometimes seen at major events.