Korea Flag - Democratic People's Republic of (North Korea)

The Democratic Peoples Republic of  Korea  or Chos?n Minjuju?i Inmin Konghwaguk was formed in in 1948 following years of Japanese occupation. What is known in the west as North Korea is firmly under the control of the Korean Workers party and its leader General Secretary Kim Jong-il the son of the deceased former long time Prime Minister and President, Kim Il-sung.  North Korea who occupies the northern half of the Korean Peninsula crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea in 1950 resulting in a state of war being declared. A demilitarized zone set up by the UN in 1953 continues to keep the two neighbours who are technically still at war from continuing the battle.

White has been the traditional colours of the Korean nation and represents a symbol of Korean purity, strength and dignity. It is also a symbol of the ideals held by North Korea and it's vision of national sovereignty.  The blue stripes represent the peoples' desire for peace, while the red symbolizes the revolutionary spirit of  the nation on it's path to socialism. The star is a symbol of the leading role played by the Korean Workers Party, in creating the new economic, social and political standing for the country following World War II.. The circular white disk on which the star appears is reminiscent of the traditional Korean T'aeguk, or Ying and Yang and act as a symbol of the universe.