Republic of Korea (South Korea)

[Megan]

This is the Iron Tower (4th Class) of the 2nd version of this order, awarded between 1967 and 1973:

[Megan]

Still Order of Industrial Service Merit, this is the Bronze Tower (3rd Class) awarded since 1973:

[Megan]

Grand Order of Mugunghwa

Instituted: 13 August 1949.

Awarded: To the President and to foreign heads of state.

This is the Collar:

[Hugh]

Grand Order of Mugunghwa

Instituted: 13 August 1949.

Awarded: To the President and to foreign heads of state.

This is the Collar:

Edited August 7, 2008 by Hugh

[Dfifer]

Grand Order of Mugunghwa

Instituted: 13 August 1949.

Awarded: To the President and to foreign heads of state.

This is the Collar:

Don't I remember that the Mugungwha is the Rose of Sharon?

You are correct, The mugunghwa is the Rose of Sharon. It is a Hibiscus, that when cut down quickly grows back. By extension, Korean is a country that has often been invaded but always comes back.

[Megan]

Order of National Security Merit

Instituted: 1967

Awarded: For distinguished service to national security, in 5 classes.

This is the Tongil Medal (1st Class) badge, version awarded before 1973:

Edited August 8, 2008 by Megan

[Megan]

Samil Medal (4th Class), as awarded 1967-73:

[Megan]

After the inevitable 1973 revamp, the Samil Medal (4th Class) looked like this:

[Megan]

Gwangbok Medal (5th Class), post-1973:

[Hugh]

Gwangbok Medal (5th Class), post-1973:

Keep 'em comin', Megan!

[Megan]

Your wish is my command...

Here is the medal for 20 years' long service in the police:

[Herr General]

Awarded to a Dutch officer for the Korean War

Chung Mu after 1973 version.

Chung Mu pre 1973 version with silver star, numbered ( the last medal )

[Megan]

Medal for Participation in Vietnam War

[Megan]

Order of Military Merit

Instituted: 18 October 1950

Awarded: To military personnel for outstanding conduct during wartime or in a state of emergency.

Here is the Taegeug (1st Class) as awarded 1950-67. Originally this badge was all you got, in 1963 they added a star (of which I do not yet have a picture).

[Megan]

Next, the Eulji (2nd Class) of the 1950-67 vintage. Again, before 1963 this was all you got.

[Megan]

Here is the Eulji (2nd Class) star, awarded 1963-67.

[Megan]

Now for the Chungmu (3rd Class), 1950-67 version.

[Megan]

This is the Hwarang (4th Class), as awarded 1950-67.

[Megan]

Last one for today - my hand hurts!

Here is the Inheon (5th Class), which - like the 1st & 2nd class stars - was added to the order in 1963, and awarded in this form until the inevitable revision in 1967.

It is interesting how the design is completely different for each class - you'd never guess they were all from the same order if you didn't know!

[Dfifer]

Now for the Chungmu (3rd Class), 1950-67 version.

This particular design for the Chungmu Class was issued from 1951 to 1963.

[Dfifer]

Order of Military Merit

Instituted: 18 October 1950

Awarded: To military personnel for outstanding conduct during wartime or in a state of emergency.

Here is the Taegeug (1st Class) as awarded 1950-67. Originally this badge was all you got, in 1963 they added a star (of which I do not yet have a picture).

This design for the Taekuk was used from 1951 to 1963, at which time it was changed to a sash and had a breast star added.

[Dfifer]

Next, the Eulji (2nd Class) of the 1950-67 vintage. Again, before 1963 this was all you got.

This particular design was used from 1951 to 1963, at which time it went to a cravat and had a breast star added.

[Hugh]

Last one for today - my hand hurts!

You go , Girl! You're smokin' hot now!

Between you and Don, we're learning a lot about the Koreans. Long overdue, in my case.

Hugh

[Megan]

Thanks for the additional information, Don - will amend the page. It's getting to look like separate pages for 1950-63 and 1963-67 will be necessary!

Do you have any pictures of the changed insignia? Or better ones of contemporary insignia than the South Korean government ones that you have used on your site?

[Megan]

Order of Military Merit, 1967-73

Hwarang (4th Class):