Deni Taegeukgi

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.2140

Category

Craft

Era

1880년대∼1890년 이전

Designated year

2021

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137 (용산동6가, 국립중앙박물관)

Coordinates

37.523500, 126.980100Museum-based location

This English description was machine-translated and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the original Korean text for details.

The Denny Taegeukgi was owned by American Owen Nickerson Denny (1838-1900), a foreign policy advisor to King Kojong. Brought to America in 1891 when Denny returned home, it was donated to Korea by his descendants in 1981 and is now housed in the National Museum of Korea. Scholars date its creation to 1890 or earlier. Denny served as foreign policy and interior affairs advisor from 1886 for four years, promoting Korean sovereignty in diplomacy, law, and economics. Korea first created and used a national flag in September 1882, with King Kojong officially proclaiming its use nationwide on March 6, 1883. However, no original specimens from that period survive, making the Denny flag an invaluable research resource for Korean flag history. The flag demonstrates modern manufacturing techniques influenced by Western flag production, using sewing machines and precise appliqué work. As Korea's largest surviving historical flag at 182.5 cm by 262 cm, the Denny Taegeukgi represents a crucial symbol of Korea's efforts to establish itself as an independent nation and the foundational history of the Korean flag.

Location