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His Story Collections Presents
A Korean Order of the National Flag, Third Class — a striking historical decoration from one of the defining periods of modern Korean history.
This substantial medal combines a dramatic radiating starburst with red and blue enamel surrounding a prominent five-pointed star. Its imposing construction, traditional pin fitting and aged surfaces give it the unmistakable character of a genuine historical decoration rather than a modern commemorative reproduction.
Certified by Quan Yuan Di (泉園地) and graded AU55, the piece weighs approximately 32.6 grams.
The Story — Korea Divided, 1948
Few places experienced the upheavals of the mid-20th century as dramatically as Korea.
After decades under Japanese colonial rule, Korea was liberated in 1945 at the conclusion of the Second World War. Yet liberation did not immediately bring a unified independent country. The peninsula became divided, and in 1948 two rival Korean governments emerged.
It was during this formative period that the Order of the National Flag was instituted.
The decoration therefore belongs to a system of honors born at a pivotal moment in Korean history—only a few years before the peninsula descended into the Korean War of 1950–1953.
The Korean War Era
On June 25, 1950, war erupted across the Korean Peninsula.
What began as a Korean conflict rapidly became one of the defining international confrontations of the early Cold War. Korean forces fought alongside—or against—troops from the United States, China, Britain, Canada, Australia, Turkey and numerous other nations under competing international alliances.
The conflict devastated the peninsula and ended in an armistice in 1953 rather than a formal peace treaty.
Decorations such as the Order of the National Flag became part of the system through which military and state service, achievement and contribution were formally recognized.
This particular example is not specifically documented as having been awarded during 1950–1953, but it represents a decoration instituted before the Korean War and closely associated with the political and military history of that era.
The Design
The medal presents an elaborate multi-pointed radiating star.
At its center is a prominent five-pointed star, surrounded by concentric fields of red and blue enamel. Rays spread outward toward an ornate perimeter, creating an unusually dimensional appearance.
The reverse retains its horizontal pin attachment and displays the wear and surface characteristics expected from an older historical decoration.
Rather than simply being an ornamental badge, its imagery reflects the visual language of the new political orders that emerged throughout Asia during the upheavals following the Second World War.
Third Class
The Order of the National Flag was organized into three classes, with this example representing the Third Class.
Such multi-tier systems allowed decorations of the same order to recognize differing levels or categories of service and achievement.
For collectors today, the medal provides a tangible connection to the complicated transformation of Korea from a formerly colonized peninsula into the divided political landscape that emerged during the early Cold War.
Certification
Certification: Quan Yuan Di / 泉園地
Attribution: Korean Order of the National Flag, Third Class
Grade: AU55
Weight: 32.6 g
Certification No.: 2606066646
Period: Modern Korean historical decoration
Please examine all photographs carefully, as the actual item pictured is the item you will receive.
Why Collect This Piece?
This is more than a medal.
It represents a remarkable historical transition—from the collapse of the Japanese Empire in 1945, through the division of Korea and establishment of rival governments in 1948, to the Korean War and the geopolitical order that followed.
For collectors of Korean history, Cold War history, Asian medals, military decorations and 20th-century historical artifacts, it offers a physical connection to one of the most consequential chapters in modern East Asian history.
His Story Collections
At His Story Collections, we believe historical objects become far more meaningful when their stories are preserved alongside them.
Our collection brings together medals, badges, coins, documents, jewelry and other historical objects from different cultures and periods—each selected not merely as a collectible, but as a surviving witness to the people and events that shaped history.
Carry History With You.
