[Photo] National Museum of Korea exhibits oldest Korean flag

To celebrate the nation’s 73rd Liberation Day (Aug. 15), the National Museum of Korea will exhibit the country’s oldest known flag from Aug. 13 to 19. The flag was given to American Owen Denny (1838-1900), who was diplomatic advisor to King Gojong (r. 1863-1907). After angering China (Qing) through his claims that Joseon was an independent nation and that the Qing were meddling in their politics, Denny was sent back to the US, taking the flag with him. After Denny’s death, his relatives donated the flag to Mr. William C. Ralston, who returned it to South Korea in 1981. The flag is now a registered national cultural treasure.