ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how the popular meaning of Korea’s national symbols dramatically changed during Japan’s annexation and colonial rule, as well as in conjunction with the rise of capitalism. It focuses on three types of media that were widely available to the entire Korean populace: textbooks, postcards, and advertisements. One of the most effective ways of transmitting national policies to students is through textbooks. The conspicuous choice of beginning the lesson with the national flag demonstrates the publishers’ intent to emphasize patriotism. During the short-lived Korean Empire, various goods were adorned with national symbols in the name of patriotism. Korea’s national symbols were more widely and popularly circulated through postcards. National symbols were also actively utilized in postcards, which were one of the most popular forms of visual media of the early twentieth century. Japanese companies continued using the Taegeukgi flag during the colonial period, albeit with some modifications.
