▌National Motto
Official Name
Cheon–Ji–In and Hongik Ingan
天地人 · 弘益人間
Harmony of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity —
To Broadly Benefit Humanity and the World
Meaning
The national motto combines two central principles of Dangun Sovereign Neutral State:
- Cheon–Ji–In — 天地人: Heaven, Earth, and Humanity
- Hongik Ingan — 弘益人間: To broadly benefit humanity and the world
Heaven (天)
Heaven represents truth, wisdom, justice, moral principle, and a purpose greater than individual interest.
It reminds those in authority that leadership must be guided by conscience, responsibility, and concern for future generations.
Earth (地)
Earth represents nature, life, resources, and the physical foundation shared by all living beings.
It teaches that development and prosperity must respect the environment and preserve the natural world for future generations.
Humanity (人)
Humanity represents consciousness, compassion, creativity, and responsible action.
Human beings carry the responsibility to bring the principles of Heaven and the life of Earth into harmony through ethical leadership and service.
Hongik Ingan (弘益人間)
Hongik Ingan defines the purpose of that harmony: to use government, knowledge, technology, finance, and human ability for the broad benefit of humanity and the world.
Together, Cheon–Ji–In and Hongik Ingan express a complete national philosophy:
Heaven provides principle.
Earth sustains life.
Humanity brings them into harmony.
Hongik Ingan directs that harmony toward the benefit of all.
Short Official Form
Heaven, Earth, and Humanity in Harmony —
For the Benefit of All
Ceremonial Form
Guided by Heaven, sustained by Earth, and fulfilled through Humanity, we serve for the broad benefit of the world.
Correct Usage
The national motto may appear:
- beneath the national flag or Gold Emblem;
- in official government publications;
- on government buildings and ceremonial displays;
- in official speeches and declarations;
- in educational and cultural materials;
- on approved certificates and public documents;
- in diplomatic and international communications.
The original Chinese characters may be displayed together with the English form:
天地人 · 弘益人間
Heaven, Earth, and Humanity — To Broadly Benefit Humanity and the World
Restricted Usage
The national motto must not:
- be altered in a way that changes its philosophical meaning;
- be used to support discrimination, hostility, or superiority;
- be associated with unauthorised commercial or political activities;
- be used to imply false government endorsement;
- be displayed in a deceptive, offensive, or disrespectful context;
- be separated from its principles of harmony, service, and human dignity.