Order of Industrial Service Merit 산업훈장 (産業勳章)
The Order of Industrial Service Merit is awarded to those who have rendered outstanding meritorious service in the development of domestic industry.
This Order has not been without controversy. Beginning in 1985, the award criteria were modified, so that if a company received an award for Exemplary Tax Payment on National Tax Day, the company was exempt from government tax audits for two years. Korean conglomerates (Chaebol 재벌; lit. “Rich Family” or “Financial Clique”) quickly developed a vicious cycle, whereby after receiving an Exemplary Tax Payment award, they would pay bribes (which can’t be found because of the audit restrictions), and then they are re-awarded, and the cycle of bribery is repeated. This structure was rampant during the Presidential administrations of Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo. Some 23 chaebols received awards and since they were exempted from tax inspections, they gave the two former presidents approx. 241.5 billion won in bribes.
1962 SERIES
The Order of Industrial Service Merit was established on Sept. 29, 1962 in three classes by Cabinet Decree #986. It was created as a support for the first of Park Chung-hee’s Five-Year Economic Development Plans (1962-66). It is awarded to those who distinguish themselves with outstandingly meritorious service in the development of industry. All three classes have the same basic symbolism. The sun shape symbolizes enhancement of national prestige; the leaves of Mugunghwa, national prosperity; the leaves of a rice plant and hoe, production increase; the tower, merits of effort; and the wings, peace. The blue color of the ribbon symbolizes constancy; the white color, integrity and innocent character; the red color, bravery and progressive passion. (The word “Tower” is sometimes translated as “Pagoda”)
The Three Classes are:
- Gold Tower Medal 금탑장 (金塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 52 mm.
- Silver Tower Medal 은탑장 (銀塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 45 mm.
- Bronze Tower Medal 동탑장 (銅塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 45 mm.
According to the legislation, the breast ribbons are 46 × 36 mm and the ribbon bars are 11 × 36 mm. All three classes have the same stripe pattern, namely: blue 청색 3 mm, white 백색 7 mm, blue 청색 2 mm, scarlet 홍색 12 mm, blue 청색 2 mm, white 백색 7 mm, and blue 청색 3 mm.
1963 SERIES
Decorations Law #1519 issued on Dec. 14, 1963 made several changes to the Order of Industrial Service Merit. The primary difference between the 1962 and 1963 Series are the standards. The dimensional data given for the 1963 Series is more extensive. Since the 1962 legislation does not list all the dimensional features that are found in the 1963 legislation, it is not possible to do a complete comparison. Listed here are those few differences that can be discerned.
- Gold Tower Medal 금탑장 (金塔章). There is no change to the pendant. However, the suspension is a little smaller at 15 × 24 mm.
- Silver Tower Medal 은탑장 (銀塔章). The major diameter of the pendant is slightly larger at 47 mm.
- Bronze Tower Medal 동탑장 (銅塔章). There are no discernible changes from the 1962 series.
According to the 1963 legislation, the breast ribbons are still 46 × 36 mm and the ribbon bars are still 11 × 36 mm. All three classes still have the same stripe pattern, namely: blue 청색 3 mm, white 백색 7 mm, blue 청색 2 mm, scarlet 홍색 12 mm, blue 청색 2 mm, white 백색 7 mm, blue 청색 3 mm.
The 1967 SERIES
The order was completely redesigned and was changed to five classes on Jan. 16, 1967 under Decorations Law #1885. The changes became effective on Feb. 28, 1967 by Decorations Law Enforcement Decree #2929. Much of the dimensional information is missing from the legislation.
The Classes are:
- Gold Tower Medal 금탑장 (金塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 66 mm. It is suspended from an 80 × 1,700 mm pale green 담녹색 sash. There is no mention of stripes in the legislation. The breast star has a diameter of 70 mm. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. There is no mention of any stripes in the legislation. There is a 1.7 cm lapel pin.
- Gold Tower Medal 금탑장 (金塔章) (sized) for Ladies. The pendant has a diameter of 45 mm. It is suspended from a 70 × 1,700 mm solid pale green 담녹색 sash. There are no stripes mentioned in the legislation. The breast star has a diameter of 50 mm. The dimensions for the ribbon bar and lapel pin are the same size as the men’s size.
- Silver Tower Medal 은탑장 (銀塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 56 mm. It is suspended from a 38 × 600 mm pale green 담녹색 cravat with two, 1.7 mm, yellow 황색 stripes, one on each side of the 22 mm, pale green center stripe. The breast star has a diameter of 60 mm. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes. There is a 1.7 cm lapel pin.
- Bronze Tower Medal 동탑장 (銅塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 50 mm. It is suspended from a 38 × 600 mm pale green 담녹색 cravat. There is no mention of the stripe pattern within the legislation. There is no breast star. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. There is a 1.7 cm lapel pin.
- Iron Tower Medal 철탑장 (鐵塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 45 mm. It is suspended from a 38 × 110 mm pale green 담녹색 breast ribbon with four 2 mm, yellow 황색 stripes, two on each side of the 20 mm, pale green center stripe. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes. There is a 1.7 cm lapel pin.
- Tin Tower Medal 석탑장 (錫塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 40 mm. It is suspended from a 38 × 110 mm pale green 담녹색 breast ribbon. There is no mention of the stripe pattern within the legislation. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. There is a 1.7 cm lapel pin.
1969 SERIES
Decorations Law #4466 was issued on Dec. 19, 1969. There are no size or ribbon changes to the 1967 Series for all classes. The only change appears to be the lapel pins. No longer circular, they are now 12 × 8 mm rectangles and have the central design from the pendants and breast stars as an attachment in the center. They also have the same stripe pattern that is found on the individual ribbons.
1971 SERIES
There were several changes that were made to the Order of Industrial Service Merit under Decorations Law Enforcement Decree #5688 on June 30, 1971. While the pendants and breast stars continued to look the same, there were some size changes, but the most striking change was the ribbons, which were changed to green with white stripes. However, the green that was selected is not the same green as the one used in the previous 1967 series of this Order. There are no weights mentioned in the legislation.
- Gold Tower Medal 금탑장 (金塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 66 mm. It is suspended from an 80 × 1,700 mm green 녹색 sash with two 10 mm, white 백색 stripes, one on each side of the 56 mm green center stripe. The breast star has a diameter of 70 mm. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. It has two 6 mm, white 백색 stripes, with one on each side of the 24 mm, green center stripe. There is a 12 × 8 mm lapel pin, but there are no specifics regarding the stripe pattern.
- Gold Tower Medal 금탑장 (金塔章) (sized) for Ladies. The pendant has a diameter of 45 mm. It is suspended from a 65 × 1,700 mm solid green 녹색 sash with two 10 mm white stripes, one on each side of the 41 mm, green center stripe. The breast star has a diameter of 45 mm. The dimensions for the ribbon bar and lapel pin are the same size as the men’s size.
- Silver Tower Medal 은탑장 (銀塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 56 mm. It is suspended from a 38 × 600 mm green 녹색 cravat with eight, 2 mm, white 백색 stripes, four on each side of the 12 mm, green center stripe. The breast star has a diameter of 60 mm. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes. There is a 12 × 8 mm lapel pin, but there are no specifics regarding the stripe pattern.
- Bronze Tower Medal 동탑장 (銅塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 50 mm. It is suspended from a 38 × 600 mm green 녹색 cravat with six 1.5 mm, white 백색 stripes, three on each side of the 19 mm, green center stripe. There is no breast star. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes. There is a 12 × 8 mm lapel pin, but there are no specifics regarding the stripe pattern.
- Iron Tower Medal 철탑장 (鐵塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 45 mm. It is suspended from a 38 × 50 mm green 녹색 breast ribbon with four 2 mm, white 백색 stripes, two on each side of the 20 mm, green center stripe. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes. There is a 12 × 8 mm lapel pin, but there are no specifics regarding the stripe pattern.
- Tin Tower Medal 석탑장 (錫塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 40 mm. It is suspended from a 38 × 50 mm green 녹색 breast ribbon with two 2.5 mm white 백색 stripes, one on each side of the 29 mm, green center stripe. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes. There is a 12 × 8 mm lapel pin, but there are no specifics regarding the stripe pattern.
1973 SERIES
On Nov. 1, 1973, the design of the pendants for the Order of Industrial Service Merit were changed under Decorations Law Enforcement Decree #6916. Like the earlier 1971 Series, the 1973 series follows the general European usage of sashes, breast stars, etc. The one exception is the rosette on the 5th class ribbon. The names of the classes remained the same. The legislation does not provide the dimensions for the width of the stripes, but they should be identical to those found in later legislation. This new design is almost identical to the 1984 Series that is currently being issued, including the ribbon colors.
Symbols employed: The laurel crown on the suspension symbolizes peace and effort. The small red and white wings symbolize stout force and effort. The larger wings indicate the brilliance of the hard work. The gear around the center plate symbolizes mobility with volition. The center blue plate symbolizes the infinite fruitage of effort. The symbols in the center indicate agriculture, industry, commerce, and fishery. The light blue color of the ribbon indicates diligence, peace and freedom, while the yellow color indicates solidarity.
- Gold Tower Medal 금탑장 (金塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 60 mm and weighs 45.4 grams. It is suspended from an 80 × 1,700 mm solid sky blue 하늘색 sash with no stripes. The breast star has a diameter of 70 mm and weighs 60.0 grams. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. It has two yellow 황색 stripes, with one on each side of the sky blue center stripe. The lapel pin is 12 × 8 mm and also has two yellow stripes, with one on each side of the sky blue center stripe.
- Gold Tower Medal 금탑장 (金塔章) (sized) for Ladies. The pendant has a diameter of 50 mm and weighs 32 grams. It is suspended from an 65 × 1,700 mm solid Sky blue 하늘색 sash with no stripes. The breast star has a diameter of 55 mm and weighs 37.4 grams. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. It has two yellow 황색 stripes, with one on each side of the sky blue center stripe. The lapel pin is 12 × 8 mm, and it also has two yellow stripes, with one on each side of the sky blue center stripe.
- Silver Tower Medal 은탑장 (銀塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 55 mm and weighs 37.4 grams. It is suspended from a 38 × 600 mm Sky blue 하늘색 cravat with eight yellow 황색 stripes, four on each side of the sky blue center stripe. The breast star has a diameter of 60 mm and weighs 44.0 g. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes. The lapel pin is 12 × 8 mm. It also has eight white stripes, with four on each side of the sky blue center stripe.
- Bronze Tower Medal 동탑장 (銅塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 50 mm and weighs 32 grams. It is suspended from a 38 × 600 mm Sky blue 하늘색 cravat with six Yellow 황색 stripes, three on each side of the sky blue center stripe. There is no breast star. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes. The lapel pin is 12 × 8 mm. It also has six white stripes, with three on each side of the sky blue center stripe.
- Iron Tower Medal 철탑장 (鐵塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 50 mm and weighs 32 grams. It is suspended from a 38 × 100 mm Sky blue 하늘색 breast ribbon with four Yellow 황색 stripes, two on each side of the sky blue center stripe. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes. The lapel pin is 12 × 8 mm. It also has four white stripes, with two on each side of the sky blue center stripe.
- Tin Tower Medal 석탑장 (錫塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 50 mm and weighs 32 grams. It is suspended from a 38 × 100 mm Sky blue 하늘색 breast ribbon with two Yellow 황색 stripes, one on each side of the sky blue center stripe. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes. The lapel pin is 12 × 8 mm. It also has two white stripes, with one on each side of the sky blue center stripe.
1974 SERIES
On Nov. 23, 1974, the Korean government issued Decorations Law Enforcement Decree #7289.1 The sizes, weights, dimensions are identical except for the clarification of some dimensions regarding the stripes. Listed below is that additional information from the 1974 legislation.
Listed below is the additional information from the 1974 legislation
- Gold Tower Medal 금탑장 (金塔章) No Additional information.
- Gold Tower Medal 금탑장 (金塔章) (sized) for Ladies. No Additional information.
- Silver Tower Medal 은탑장 (銀塔章) The 38 × 600 mm sky blue 하늘색 cravat has eight yellow 황색 stripes, 1.5 mm each, with four on each side of the sky blue 12 mm, yellow center stripe. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes.
- Bronze Tower Medal 동탑장 (銅塔章) The 38 × 600 mm sky blue 하늘색 cravat has six Yellow 황색 stripes, 1.5 mm each, with three on each side of the sky blue 17mm center stripe. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes.
- Iron Tower Medal 철탑장 (鐵塔章) The 38 × 100 mm sky blue 하늘색 breast ribbon has four yellow 황색 stripes, 1.5 mm each, with two on each side of the sky blue 24 mm center stripe. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes.
- Tin Tower Medal 석탑장 (錫塔章) The 38 × 100 mm sky blue 하늘색 breast ribbon has two 2 mm, yellow 황색 stripes, one on each side of the sky blue 30 mm center stripe. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes.
1984 SERIES
The currently issued design was created by Decorations Law Enforcement Decree #11336 on Jan. 23, 1984. The names of the classes remained the same.
- Gold Tower Medal 금탑장 (金塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 70 mm and weighs 82 grams. It is suspended from an 80 × 1,800 mm solid sky blue 하늘색 sash with no stripes. The breast star has a diameter of 80 mm and weighs 101.5 grams. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. It has two 6 mm, yellow 황색 stripes, with one on each side of the 24 mm, sky blue center stripe. The lapel pin is 12 × 8 mm and has two 1.5 mm, yellow stripes, with one on each side of the sky blue 4 mm, center stripe.
- Gold Tower Medal 금탑장 (金塔章) (sized) for Ladies. The pendant has a diameter of 50 mm and weighs 44.5 grams. It is suspended from a 65 × 1,700 mm solid Sky blue 하늘색 sash with no stripes. The breast star has a diameter of 55 mm and weighs 50.5 grams. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. It has two 6 mm, yellow 황색 stripes, with one on each side of the sky blue 24 mm, center stripe. The lapel pin is 12 × 8 mm and has two 1.5 mm, yellow stripes, with one on each side of the sky blue 4 mm center stripe.
- Silver Tower Medal 은탑장 (銀塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 60 mm and weighs 59 grams. It is suspended from a 38 × 600 mm sky blue 청보라색 cravat with eight 1.5 mm, yellow 황색 stripes, four on each side of the 13 mm, sky blue center stripe. The breast star has a diameter of 70 mm and weighs 79 g. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes. The lapel pin is 12 × 8 mm, and has eight .2 mm, white stripes, with four on each side of the 4 mm, sky blue center stripe.
- Bronze Tower Medal 동탑장 (銅塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 50 mm and weighs 42 grams. It is suspended from a 38 × 600 mm sky blue 청보라색 cravat with six 1.5 mm, yellow 황색 stripes, three on each side of the 19 mm, sky blue center stripe. There is no breast star. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes. The lapel pin is 12 × 8 mm, and has six 0.2 mm, white stripes, with three on each side of the 5 mm, sky blue center stripe.
- Iron Tower Medal 철탑장 (鐵塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 50 mm and weighs 40.5 grams. The difference in weight between this pendant and the 3rd Class pendant is probably due to the inclusion of the ribbon. It is suspended from a 38 × 100 mm sky blue 청보라색 breast ribbon with four 1.5 mm, yellow 황색 stripes, two on each side of the 24 mm, sky blue center stripe. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes. The lapel pin is 12 × 8 mm, and has four 0.3 mm, white stripes, with two on each side of the 5 mm, sky blue center stripe.
- Tin Tower Medal 석탑장 (錫塔章) The pendant has a diameter of 50 mm and weighs 40.5 grams. The difference in weight between this pendant and the 3rd & 4th Class pendants is probably due to the inclusion of the ribbon. It is suspended from a 38 × 100 mm sky blue 청보라색 breast ribbon with two 2 mm, yellow 황색 stripes, one on each side of the 30 mm, sky blue center stripe. The ribbon bar is 38 × 10 mm. The stripe pattern on the ribbon bar mimics the cravat, in both the colors and in the width of the stripes. The lapel pin is 12 × 8 mm, and has two 0.5 mm white stripes, with one on each side of the 5 mm, sky blue center stripe.
CURRENTLY
Since 1984, the Decorations Law Enforcement Decree has been changed 19 times. The current legislation is Decree #30517 and was enacted on March 10, 2020. In the intervening years, the only major change was to the Gold Tower Medal 금탑장 (金塔章) (sized) for Ladies. It was found to be discriminatory and was dropped in 2016.2 There was one minor change, instead of using the word 황색 for yellow, the legislation now uses the word 노란색 for yellow. All the sizes, colors, patterns, etc., of the 1984 legislation, are still in effect.
The Classes are:
