Order of Military Merit (South Korea)


The Order of Military Merit is the primary military decoration awarded by the South Korean government. It is awarded to a person who rendered "outstanding military services by participating in an action in time of war or in quasi-state of war or by performing his/her duty equivalent to combat, such as responding to the attack of an enemy in a contact area."

Grades

The Order of Military Merit is awarded in five classes and each of these has three grades. In descending order of rank, the classes are: Taeguk, Eulji, Chungmu, Hwarang en Inheon. Each class has a first, second or third grade, denoted respectively by a gold star, silver star, or an unadorned ribbon.
ClassNameNamesakeRibbon
1stTaegeuk taegeuk
2ndEulji also sometimes spelt UlchiEulji Mundeok
3rdChungmu Yi Sun-sin
4thHwarang Hwarang
5thInheon Gang Gam-chan

Notable recipients

Taegeuk