Gyeongnam Province launched symbolic events to honor the sacrifices of independence martyrs and the spirit of the March 1st Independence Movement on the occasion of its 107th anniversary.
On February 26, the province displayed a large banner reproduction of the "Denny Taegeukgi," designated as a National Heritage Treasure, on the exterior wall of the main provincial government building. The initiative aims to introduce residents to Korea's oldest Taegeukgi and reflect on the significance of the independence movement.
The Denny Taegeukgi is a historical artifact bestowed by Emperor Gojong (reign 1863-1907) to American diplomatic advisor Owen N. Denny in 1890 during the Korean Empire period. Denny became a diplomatic advisor in 1886 through Qing Dynasty recommendation but was dismissed after criticizing China's undue interference in Joseon's affairs.
The flag's production date is estimated around 1890. Measuring 262 centimeters wide and 182.5 centimeters tall, it is the largest among historical Taegeukgi flags. After Denny returned to the United States, his family preserved the flag until donating it to Korea in 1981.
The Denny Taegeukgi holds significant historical and documentary value due to traces showing the flagpole was attached on the right side and the distinctive stitching method with the Taegeuk pattern sewn in reverse. It was designated as Registered Cultural Heritage No. 382 in 2008 and elevated to Treasure No. 2140 in October 2021.
The province explained it chose the Denny Taegeukgi for this year's March 1st commemoration because the symbol embodies the Korean Empire's diplomatic sovereignty and national pride, which aligns with the spirit of the March 1st Movement.
"The Denny Taegeukgi embodies the Korean Empire's will for independence and our nation's pride," a provincial official said. "We will carry forward our forebears' calls as our responsibility today and build a Gyeongnam that grows together with its residents."
The large Denny Taegeukgi display will continue until March 3. During this period, the province plans to promote a flag-hanging campaign throughout the region to spread the commemorative atmosphere for Independence Movement Day.