Here are some translations from Korean that you might find useful. There is a separate page for translations from Chinese.

Some Korean terms are “Konglish”, which are, generally, English loan words that have become integrated into the Korean language. This includes many loan words that are used in ways that are not easily understandable to native English speakers.¹ For example, the Korean word for “Coffee” is “커피” and is pronounced as “K’o P’ee”, simply because there is no “F” in the Korean alphabet.² Typically, you will only find Konglish if you are searching for medal information on Korean Blog Sites. For a far more extensive treatment of the subject, see the article “Language Purism in Korea”.

The modern Korean alphabet or Hanʼgŭl consists of 24 basic letters: 14 consonants (ㄱ ㄴ ㄷ ㄹ ㅁ ㅂ ㅅ ㅇ ㅈ ㅊ ㅋ ㅌ ㅍ ㅎ) and 10 vowels (ㅏ ㅑ ㅓ ㅕ ㅗ ㅛ ㅜ ㅠ ㅡ ㅣ). Additionally, you will find that there are 19 complex letters, 5 of which are tense consonants (ㄲ ㄸ ㅃ ㅉ ㅆ) and 11 are complex vowels (ㅢ ㅚ ㅐ ㅟ ㅔ ㅒ ㅖ ㅘ ㅝ ㅙ ㅞ). Korean words are composed of syllables, which are formed by combining the basic letters. For example, the word commonly used for Korea (as used in South Korea) is 한국 and is normally written that way and not as ㅎ ㅏ ㄴ ㄱ ㅜ ㄱ. I will have to admit that this construction of syllables is not absolute, for example, the city of Inchon, commonly uses “ㅇ ㅣ ㄴ ㅊ ㅓㄴ” instead of 인천. Unlike Chinese, which has thousands of characters – many with 10 or more strokes – the most complex Korean letter has only five strokes.³ Because this website primarily concerns South Korean medals, it is laid out using the South Korea Alphabet System. If you were to graduate to using a Korean/English dictionary, you would find that the vast majority of dictionaries use the South Korean system. Any usage utilizing the original 1446 layouts or the North Korean system would cause the graduate a great deal of problems. All Korean words start with a consonant, so to find a word in this dictionary, start with the first consonant at the very top or in the upper-left corner of the first Korean syllable.

The Korean alphabet was originally designed for use with both the Korean and Chinese languages, but the letters specific to Chinese are now obsolete. However, you may encounter those obsolete Korean characters (ᄛ, ㅱ, ㅸ, ᄼ, ᄾ, ㅿ, ㆁ, ᅎ, ᅐ, ᅔ, ᅕ, ㆄ, ㆆ and ᆞ) when dealing with late 19th and early 20th century medals and literature. If you think you have run into one of these characters and are having issues, drop me a line and I will see if I can help, but keep in mind, I am no expert on the subject.

There was a minor and unsuccessful movement to abolish Korean syllabic blocks and write the letters individually and in a row (풀어쓰기 ‘Unassembled Writing’). Had it been successful, Korean would be written the same way that Latin alphabets are written. However, the standard convention of assembled writing (모아쓰기), has remained in common use with many Koreans finding the Unassembled Writing to be confusing. As an example, the city of Inchon, Korea has used the Unassembled Writing, and you will occasionally find Inchon 인천  written as  “o ㅣ ㅊ ㅓ ㄴ”. If you want to use a translator program, you will need to reassemble the script into syllabic blocks (Assembled Writing).

TRANSLATIONS FROM KOREAN 번역한글 (with Chinese in parentheses 한자 [漢字]).

• 감사장 (感謝狀) Letter of Appreciation
• 거상 (巨象) “Geosang”, 3^rd class, Order of Sports Merit, 1973 and later Series
• 건국 (建國) “Foundation of a Nation”, literally connotes creating a state/nation (나라).
• 건국공로훈장 (建國功勞勳章) “Order of National Foundation” Used on all series before 1967
• 건국포장 (建國褒章) “National Foundation Merit Medal”, All Series
• 건국훈장 (建國勳章) “Order of National Foundation” Used on all series from 1967 to present
• 건군10주년기념기장 (4291.8.15) Armed Forces Foundation 10 Anniversary Commemoration Medal
• 건군20주년기념기장 (1968.8.15) Armed Forces Foundation 20 Anniversary Commemoration Medal
• 건군30주년기념기장 (1978.8.15) Armed Forces Foundation 30 Anniversary Commemoration Medal
• 건군40주년기념기장 (1988.8.15) Armed Forces Foundation 40 Anniversary Commemoration Medal
• 건군제50주년기념기장 (1998.8.15) Armed Forces Foundation 50 Anniversary Commemoration Medal
• 케이스 Konglish for the word “Case” rather than the Korean word for case, which is 사례
• 결수 (結綏) “Rosette”
• 경비장 “Security Medal” Seoul Olympic Service Medal
• 경식장 Collar Decoration, chain 
• 경식훈장 Collar Decoration Order
• 경진회 (競進會) Competitive Industrial exhibition
• 경찰지휘관장 “(National) Police Commander’s Medal”
• 경찰헝장표창 Chief officer of Police Award
• 고려 (高麗) “Koryo” or “Goryeo”, was a kingdom (918-1392), during the Later Three Kingdoms period of Korean history, which unified the Korean Peninsula. It was proposed by the North Korean dictator, Kim Il-sung, to be used as the name of Korea in the event of a North Korean takeover of South Korea. It is also used for the state-owned national airline of North Korea, “Air Koryo” 고려항공 (高麗航空) (the world’s only “one star” airline).
• 공로장 (功勞章) Merit Medal, Distinguished Service Medal
• 공로 표창 장 Meritorious Commendation Certificate / Distinguished Merit Commendation
• 공비토벌기장 Anti-guerrilla Warfare Service Medal
• 공익포장 (公益褒章) “Public Welfare Merit Medal” 1949 and 1963 Series
• 과학기술포장 (科學技術褒章) Merit Medal for Science and Technology
• 과학기술훈장 (科學技術勳章) Order of Science and Technology
• 광복 (光復) “return of the light,” a term used in Korean and Chinese context; carries the connotation of re-gaining independence. August 15 (8.15) is called kwangbokchŏl 광복절/光復節, literally ‘the day of the return of the light.’ Since the mid-1950s, 8.15 is primarily associated with the liberation (해방/解放) from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. It is also the day that the Republic of Korea came into existence, probably picked as a means of snubbing Japan. 건국 (建國) foundation (of the nation / state / nation-state)
• 광복 (光復) “Gwangbog”, 5^th class, Order of National Security Merit, 1970 and all later Series
• 광화 (光化) “Gwanghwa”, 1^st class, 2^nd grade, Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, 1970 Series
• 광화대 (光化大) “Grand Gwanghwa” 1^st class, 1^st grade, Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, 1970 Series
• 국가유공자 National Merited Person Medal
• 국난극복기장 Overcoming National Crisis Medal
• 국무총리 (國務總理) Premier / Prime Minister
• 국무총리표창 (國務總理表彰) Premier / Prime Minister Commendation
• 국민 (國民) “National”, 3^rd class, Order of Cultural Merit, 1951, 1958 & 1963 Series, Order of National Foundation, 1967 & 1973 Series
• 국민포장 (國民褒章) “Civil Merit Medal” 1967 & 1973 Series
• 국민훈장 (國民勳章) “Order of Civil Merit” 1967 & 1973 Series   
• 국방대상 Defense Award
• 국방장관표창 Minister of Defense Decoration
• 국선 (國仙) “Gugseon”, 2^nd class, Order of National Security Merit, 1970 & 1973 Series
• 군인 (written in Chinese as 士兵 or 軍人) Soldier
• 군인유족기장 (軍人遺族記章) Soldiers Bereaved Family Medal
• 근로포장 (勤勞褒章) “Labor Merit Medal” 1949 &1963 Series, also known as the “Service Merit Medal”    
• 근면 (勤勉) “Geunmyeon”, 4^th class, Order of Saemaeul Service Merit, 1973 Series
• 근무공로훈장 (勤務功勞勳章) Order of Service Merit, 1961 Series
• 근정포장 (勤政褒章) “Service Merit Medal” 1967 & 1973 Series      
• 근정훈장 (勤政勳章) “Order of Service Merit” 1967 & 1970 Series
• 금 (金) “Gold”
• 금관 (金冠) “Geum-gwan”, 1^st Class, Order of Culture, 1973 Series
• 금성 (金星) “Gold Star” A grade designation for the 1950 & 1951 Series of Military Merit Orders. It is also the Korean name for the planet Venus, and is rendered as such on some translation programs.
• 금장 (襟章) Lapel/Collar Pin/Badge
• 금탑 (金塔) “Gold Tower”, 1^st Class, Order of Industrial Service Merit, All Series
• 긔념 (纪念) An old word meaning “Commemorative”. Found on Commemorative Medals of the Korean Empire. Koreans now use the term 기념
• 기념 (纪念) “Commemorative”
• 기념장 (記念章) “Commemorative Medal” or “Commemorative Badge”
• 기린 (麒麟) “Girin”, 5^th class, Order of Sports Merit, 1973 Series
• 기장 (記章) Badge, Insignia, Medal, Decorations
• 기티훈장 Other Badge, Insignia, Medal, Decorations

• 남조선 (南朝鮮) “South Chosŏn” Commonly used in North Korea (Chosŏn) to refer to South Korea.  Before diplomatic relations were established, the People’s Republic of China also used it to refer to South Korea. 
• 내무장관표창 Minister of Home Affairs Award
• 년 (年) Year
• 년근속공 “… Year Service Medal” as in “10 Year Service Medal”.
• 노력 (努力) “Noryeog”, 5^th class, Order of Saemaeul Service Merit, 1973 and later Series
• 녹조 or 록조 (綠條) “Green Stripes”, 4^th class, Order of Civil Merit, 1951 & 1963 Series, Order of Service Merit, 1967 & 1970 Series

• 단기 (檀紀) or 단군기 (檀君紀) Traditional Korean Calendar (Add 2333 to the Christian Year)
• 단장 (單章) “Tan Medal”, 3^rd class, Order of National Foundation, 1958 & 1963 Series
• 대례기념장 (大禮記念章) Coronation Commemorative Medal as in Showa Coronation Commemorative Medal 쇼와대례기념장 (昭和大禮記念章)
• 대수 (大綏) Literally ‘Great ribbon’, a Sash. Currently found on all 1^st Class Orders, and the 2^nd class of the Order of National Foundation. Also found on the 1^st Class, 2^nd Grade, the 2^nd Class and the 3^rd Class of the Order of Diplomatic Service.
• 대수장 Grand Cordon Medal
• 대정 (大正) Taishō, or more accurately, 大正天皇 Taisho Emperor of Japan (1879–1926). He reigned from July 30, 1912, until his death on December 25, 1926. His personal name was Yoshihito (嘉仁). (The Korean term 대정 does not translate well when using a Korea to English Translator, generally you get ‘Daejeong’ and not ‘Taishō’.)
• 대조선국; 大朝鮮國, lit. ‘Great Chosŏn Country/Nation’ (Korean dynastic kingdom, 1392-1910)
• 대통령 (大統領) “President”
• 대통령 (大統領) “President”, 2^nd class, Order of Cultural Merit, 1951, 1958 & 1963 Series, Order of National Foundation, 1967 & later Series
• 대통령개인표창수장 (大統領個人表彰章綬) “Presidential Citation Ribbon for Individuals”
• 대통령단체표창수치 (大統領團體表彰章綬) “Presidential Citation Flag Cordon for Units”
• 대통령령 (大統領令) Presidential Decree
• 대통령표창 (大統領表彰) Presidential Commendation
• 대한민국 (大韓民國) “Republic of Korea” found on virtually all Korean Orders and Medals
• 대한민국 (大韓民國) “Republic of Korea”, 1^st Class, Order of Cultural Merit, 1951, 1958 & 1963 Series, Order of National Foundation, 1967 & later Series
• 대한민국경찰관기장 “Republic of Korea (National) Police Officer Medal”, found on (National) Police Commander’s Medal
• 대한민국경찰근속기장 “Republic of Korea [National] Police Continuous Service Medal”
• 대한민국군인유족기장 (大韓民國軍人遺族記章)  “Republic of Korea Soldier’s Bereaved Family Medal” Commonly referred to as the Korean “Next of Kin Medal”.
• 대한민국근무기장 Republic of Korea Service Medal
• 대한민국소방근속기장 “Republic of Korea Fire Fighting Service Medal”
• 대한민국소방기장 “Republic of Korea Fire Fighting Medal”
• 대한민국재향군인회기장 Republic of Korea Veterans Association Medal
• 대한적십자 (大韓赤十字) Korean Red Cross
• 대한적십자사 (大韓赤十字社) Korean Red Cross Society
• 대한제국(大韓帝國): Great Han (Great Korean) Empire (1897-1910)
• 대형 메달 Literally “Large Medal” commonly used as “Medallion”. 메달 is Konglish for “Medal”.
• 대회장 “Games Medal” Seoul Olympic Service Medals
• 도약장(跳躍章) “Doyak Medal”, 4^th Class, Order of Science and Technology Merit
• 독립 (独立) independence
• 독립장 (獨立章) “Independent”, 3^rd Class, Order of National Foundation, 1990 Series
• 동 (銅) “Copper” often used interchangeably with Bronze (청동)(靑銅)
• 동백장 (冬栢章) “Dongbaeg”, 3^rd class, Order of Civil Merit, 1967 & 1974 Series
• 동탑 (銅塔) “Bronze Tower”, 3^rd class, Order of Industrial Service Merit, All Series
• 등 (等) “Class”

• 로마교황경호 Papal Guard Badge
• 록조 or 녹조 (綠條) “Green Stripes”, 4^th class, Order of Service Merit, 1967 & 1970 Series, Order of the White Star, 1951 & 1963 Series
• 륙 Six. This spelling was used in the early 1900s, the current spelling is 육 in South Korea but 륙 is still being used in North Korea.
• 륭희 is an older spelling for Yunghui 융희 (隆熙) which is the era name for Sunjong 순종 (純宗) the last emperor of Korea who reigned 1907-1910
• 리본 Konglish transliteration of the word “Ribbon”
• 리왕 (李王) Yi King
• 리왕조 (李王朝) Yi King Dynasty (Yi Dynasty)
• 리씨조선 (李氏朝鮮) Yi Family/Clan, Yi Dynasty
• 리조 (李朝) Yi Dynasty

• 마크 Konglish transliteration of the word “Mark”, also used to indicate: a label; a trademark; a badge
• 맹호 (猛虎) “Maengho”, 2^nd class, Order of Sports Merit, 1973 Series 
• 메달 Konglish transliteration of the word “Medal”, commonly used in both North and South Korea
• 면려포장 (勉勵褒章) “Diligence Merit Medal” 1949 & 1963 Series
• 명치 (明治) Meiji, or more accurately, 明治天皇 Meiji Emperor of Japan (1852–1912). He reigned from February 3, 1867, until his death on July 30, 1912. His personal name was Mutsuhito (睦仁). (The Korean term 명치 does not translate well when using a Korea to English Translator, generally you get ‘pit of the stomach’.)
• 모란 (牡丹) “Moran”, 2^nd class, Order of Civil Merit, 1967 & 1973 Series
• 모범공무원표장 Exemplary Public Servant Commendation
• 목련 (木連) “Mogryeon”, 4^th class, Order of Civil Merit, 1967 & 1973 Series
• 무공포장 (武功褒章) “Military Merit Medal” 1967 & 1973 Series
• 무공훈장 (武功勳章) “Order of Military Merit” All Series
• 무궁화대훈장 (無窮花大勳章) “Grand Order of Mugunghwa” Found on all Series
• 무궁화장 (無窮花章) “Mugunghwa” 1^st class, Order of Civil Merit, 1967 & 1973 Series
• 무성 (無星) “No Star” A grade designation for the 1950 & 1951 Series of Military Merit Orders
• 문화장 “Culture Medal” Seoul Olympic Service Medals
• 문화포장 (文化褒章) “Culture Merit Medal” 1949, ‘63 & ‘73 Series, also known as the “Civilization Merit Medal”
• 문화훈장 (文化勳章) “Order of Cultural Merit” Found on all Series

• 박람회 (博覽會): Exposition
• 방위포장 (防衛褒章) “Defense Merit Medal” 1949 & 1963 Series
• 백마 (白馬) “Baegma”, 4^th class, Order of Sports Merit, 1973 Series
• 보관 (寶冠) “Bo-gwan”, 3^rd class, Order of Culture, 1973 Series
• 보국포장 (保國褒章) “National Security Merit Medal” 1967 & 1973 Series
• 보국훈장 (保國勳章) “Order of National Security Merit” 1967 and later Series
• 보훈 (報勳) Merit Reward, rewarding patriotism, the act of rewarding someone for his/her great efforts and endeavors for his/her country.
• 복장 (複章) “Bok Medal”, 2^nd class, Order of National Foundation, 1958 & 1963 Series
• 북한 (北韓) North Korea
• 봉사장 (奉仕章) “Service Medal” Found on the 20-Year Police Service Medal, Seoul Olympic Service Medal and the 20-Year Fire Fighting Service Medal
• 부상 Prize (Korean English Translators commonly return the word “Injury”)
• 부장 (副章) Breast Star
• 북조선 (北朝鮮) “North Chosŏn” or “North Korea”. The term, “Pukchosŏn”, is rarely used but may be found in pre-Korean war sources.

• 사등 (四等) “Fourth Class”, Order of Diplomatic Service, 1961, 1963 & 1967 Series, Order of Military Merit, 1950 Series, Order of Service Merit, 1961 Series, Order of Diplomatic Service, 1961, 1963 & 1967 Series
• 사변종군기장 Incident Participation Medal [Korean War Participation Medal]
• 사례 Case
• 산업포장 (産業褒章) “Industrial Service Merit Medal” 1967 & 1973 Series
• 산업포장 (産業褒章) “Industrial Service Merit Medal” 1967 & 1973 Series
• 산업훈장 (産業勳章) “Order of Industrial Service Merit” All Series
• 삼등 (三等) “Third Class”, Order of Diplomatic Service 1961, 1963 & 1967 Series, Order of Military Merit, 1950 Series, Order of National Foundation, 1949 Series and the Order of Service Merit, 1961 Series
• 삼일 (三一) “Sam il”, 4^th class, Order of National Security Merit, 1970 & 1973 Series
• 상 (上) Above; upper; the first (class/grade); the best; the superior; the top (class)
• 상 (賞) A prize; an award; a reward; praise
• 상패 (賞牌) Award Medal
• 상이기장 (傷痍記章) “Wound medal”
• 상태(狀態) “Condition” as in good, fine, extra fine, etc.
• 새마을포장 “Saemaeul Service Merit Medal” 1974 Series
• 새마을훈장 “Order of Saemaeul Service Merit” 1973 Series
• 서기 (西紀) or 서력기 (西曆紀) Western Calendar used officially in Korea since January 1962
• 서훈 (敍動) (Conferment of a) Decoration; bestowal of a Decoration
• 석류장 (石榴) “Seogryu”, 5^th class, Order of Civil Merit, 1967 & 1973 Series
• 석탑 (錫塔) “Tin Tower”, 5^th class, Order of Industrial Service Merit, 1967 and later Series
• 성실장 (誠實章) “Faithfulness Medal”, 10 Year Police Service Medal
• 소방장 “Firefighter’s Medal”, 30 Year Fire Fighting Service Medal
• 소방지휘관장 “Fire Department Commander’s Medal”
• 소성훈장 (素星勳章) “Order of the White Star”, 1951, 1958 & 1963 Series
• 소수 (小綬) Literally ‘Small ribbon’, refers to a medal worn on the breast. Currently found on all 4^th and 5^th Class Orders and all Merit Medals.
• 소화 (昭和) Shōwa, or more accurately, 昭和天皇 Showa Emperor of Japan (1901–1989). He reigned from December 25, 1926, until his death on January 7, 1989. His personal name was Hirohito 裕仁. (The Korean term 소화 does not translate well when using a Korea to English Translator, generally you get ‘digestion’.)
• 수 (綬) ‘Ribbon’, also found as 수장 (綬章) ‘Medal Ribbon’
  • 대수 (大綬) Literally ‘Great ribbon’, a Sash. Currently found on all 1^st Class Orders, and the 2^nd class of the Order of National Foundation. Also found on the 1^st Class, 2^nd Grade, the 2^nd Class and the 3^rd Class of the Order of Diplomatic Service.
  • 중수 (中綬) Literally ‘Middle ribbon’, a Cravat. Generally found on all 2^nd Class and 3^rd Class Orders, except for the 2^nd class of the Order of National Foundation and the 2^nd and 3^rd Class of the Order of Diplomatic Service.
  • 소수 (小綬) Literally ‘Small ribbon’, refers to a medal worn on the breast. Currently found on all 4^th and 5^th Class Orders and all Merit Medals.
• 수결 (手決) Personal Signature
• 수교포장 (修交褒章) “Diplomatic Service Merit Medal” 1967 & 1973 Series
• 수교훈장 (修交勳章) “Order of Diplomatic Service Merit” All Series
• 숙정 (肅靖) “Sugjeong”, 5^th class, Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, 1970 Series
• 숭례 (崇禮) “Sungrye”, 3^rd class, Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, 1970 Series
• 식관 “Clasp”
• 식산포장 (殖産褒章 or 植産褒章) “Industrial Service Merit Medal” 1949 & 1963 Series, also known as the “Business Medal”

• 아시아 Asian Games Police Security Service Medal
• 안전장 “Safety Medal”, 10 Year Fire Fighting Service Medal
• 애국장 (愛國章) “Patriot”, 4^th Class, Order of National Foundation, 1990 Series
• 애족장 (愛族章) “National”, 5^th Class, Order of National Foundation, 1990 Series
• 약장 Ribbon Bar or Miniature Medal (Many translator programs render 약장 as “Medicine Cabinet”)
• 엽식 (葉飾) “Leaf”, Bronze Mugunghwa leaf used to indicate repeated merit
• 예비군포장 (豫備軍褒章) “Reserve Forces Merit Medal” 1971 Series
• 오등 (五等) “Fifth Class”, Order of Diplomatic Service, 1961, 1963 & 1967 Series, Order of National Security Merit, 1967 Series – Type 1 and the Order of Service Merit, 1961 Series
• 옥관 (玉冠) “Oggwan”, 4^th class, Order of Culture, 1973 Series
• 옥조 (玉條) “Aquamarine Stripes”, 5^th class, Order of Service Merit, 1967 & 1970 Series, Order of the White Star, 1963 Series
• 올림픽기장 “Olympic Medal”, Olympic Service Medals
• 우리 나라 “Our Nation” or “Our Country”. Commonly used by South Koreans, when referring to Korea.
• 우정장 “Friendship Medal”, Paralympics Service Medal
• 웅비장(雄飛章) “Ungbi Medal”, 3^rd Class Order of Science and Technology Merit
• 월남참전기장 Vietnam Participation Medal
• 유공장 (有功章) Merit Medal Translation programs often translate 유공장 as “Factory”
• 유공장기장 Dedication Badge
• 육 Six (In the early 1900s, it was sometimes written as 륙)
• 육등 (六等) Sixth Class, Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, 1961 Series
• 육등 (六等) Sixth Class, Order of Service Merit, 1961 Series
• 융희 (隆熙) Yung Hui is the era name for Sunjong 순종 (純宗) the last Korean Emperor who reigned 1907-1910
• 은 (銀) “Silver”
• 은관 (銀冠) “Eungwan”, 2^nd class, Order of Culture, 1973 Series
• 은성 (銀星) Silver Star – A grade designation for the 1950 & 1951 Series of Military Merit Order
• 은탑 (銀塔) “Silver Tower”, 2^nd class, Order of Industrial Service Merit, All Series
• 을지 (乙支) “Ulchi”, 2^nd class, Order of Military Merit, 1951 and later Series
• 이등 (二等) “Second Class”, Order of Diplomatic Service, 1961, 1963 & 1967 Series, Order of Military Merit, 1950 Series, Order of National Foundation, 1949 Series and the Order of Service Merit, 1961 series
• 이면(裏面) The back; the reverse (side); the other side
• 이미지 Konglish for “Image”, commonly seen on Korean Search Engines
• 이민 1.5세, also rendered as 1.5세대. It refers to the 1.5 generation of immigrants. Used by some Koreans as a derogatory term for Koreans who immigrated as children and whose development as Koreans was stunted.
• 이북 (以北0) “The North”. Informally used in South Korea to refer to North Korea.
• 인헌 (仁憲) “Inhun”, 5^th class, Order of Military Merit, 1963 and later Series
• 일등 (一等) “First Class”, Order of Diplomatic Service, 1961, 1963 & 1967 Series, Order of Military Merit, 1950 Series, Order of National Foundation, 1949 Series and the Order of Service Merit, 1961 Series

• 자립 (自立) “Jarib”, 1^st Class, Order of Saemaeul Service Merit, 1973 Series
• 자조 (自助) “Jajo”, 2^nd Class, Order of Saemaeul Service Merit, 1973 Series
• 장 (章) Medal. Translation programs generally give “Hall” instead of “Medal”.
• 장애자올림픽기장 Paralympics Service Medals
• 적십자 (赤十字) Red Cross
• 적십자기장 (赤十字記章) Red Cross Medal
• 적십자사 Red Cross Society
• 정장 (正章) Badge, pendant
• 제 (第) generally a prefix used to indicate an Ordinal Number, i.e., 第二  2^nd or 第十 10^th, but can also mean “Precedence”.
• 제___호 (第___號) literally an “ordered number”, but often translated as Serial Number. When encountered on Korean Orders, it is a production number which is not traceable.
• 제일 “First” generally found as the ‘first…..event’.
• 제24회서울올림픽대회 “24th Seoul Olympic Games” Seoul Olympic Service Medals
• 조선 (朝鮮) pronounced: Chosŏn, it is the old name for Korea, used during the Yi Dynasty/Empire Period (1392-1910), the Japanese Occupation Period (1910-1945), and today, by the Democratic People’s Republic Of Korea. It continues to be used in South Korea to refer to the Korean Peninsula, the Korean ethnic group, or the Korean language (but only when it does not cause confusion between Korea and North Korea). During the Japanese occupation, the name Chosŏn was recognized internationally until the end of World War II. Occasionally, some on-line translators will render is as “Shipbuilding”.
• 조선국 (朝鮮國) Chosŏn Nation/Country (Korean Nation/Country)
• 조선말 Chosŏn Language (Korean Language)
• 조선민주주의인민공화국 the “Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”
• 조선왕조 (朝鮮王朝) Chosŏn Kingdom (Dynasty)
• 조선일보 (朝鮮日報) lit. ’Korea Daily Newspaper’
• 조선총독부 (朝鮮総督府) Chosŏn Governor-General. The Japanese administrative authority that oversaw Korea during the Japanese Colonial Period.
• 졸업증사 “Graduation Certificate”
• 종곤장 “War Service Medal”
• 중수 (中綬) Literally ‘Middle ribbon’, a Cravat. Generally found on all 2^nd Class and 3^rd Class Orders, except for the 2^nd class of the Order of National Foundation and the 2^nd and 3^rd Class of the Order of Diplomatic Service.
• 중장 (重章) “Jung Medal”, 1^st class, Order of National Foundation, 1958 & 1963 Series
• 증 Commonly used by Westerners as “Document”, but is actually closer to the word ‘Proof’
• 지원장 “Support Medal”, Paralympics Service Medal
• 지휘관장 “Commander’s Medal”
• 진보장(進步章) “Jinbo Medal”, 5^th Class Order of Science and Technology Merit

• 참모총장표창 () Chief of Staff Decoration (공 Air Force, 육 Army or 해 Navy)
• 참여장 “Participation Medal” Seoul Olympic Service Medals
• 창의 (彰義) “Chang-eui”, 4^th class, Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, 1970 Series
• 창조장 (創造章) “Changjo Medal”, 1^st Class Order of Science and Technology Merit
• 천수 (天授) “Cheonsu”, 3^rd class, Order of National Security Merit, 1970 & 1973 Series
• 철탑 (鐵塔) “Iron Tower”, 4^th class, Order of Industrial Service Merit, 1967 and later Series
• 청동 (靑銅) “Bronze” often used interchangeably with Copper (동銅)
• 청룡 (靑龍) “Cheongryong”, 1^st class, Order of Sports Merit, 1973 Series
• 청조 (靑條) “Blue Stripes”, 1^st class, Order of the White Star, 1951 & 1963 Series and the Order of Service Merit, 1967 & 1971 Series
• 체육포장 (體育褒章) “Sports Merit Medal” 1973 Series, also see 휴 육 포 장 (休 育 褒 章)
• 체육훈장 (體育勳章) “Order of Sports Merit”, 1973 Series, also see 휴 육 훈 장 (休 育 勳 章)
• 충무 (忠武) “Chungmu”, 3^rd class, Order of Military Merit, 1951 and later Series
• 충성장 (忠誠章) “Loyalty Medal”, 30 Year Police Service Medal
• 칠등 (七等) Seventh Class, Order of Service Merit, 1961 Series

• 크기 (尺寸) Size

• 태극 (太極) “Taeguk”, 1^st   class, Order of Military Merit, 1951 and later Series
• 태극장 (太極章) “Taeguk Medal”, A class of the Korean Red Cross Medal
• 통일 (統一) “Tong-il”, 1^st   class, Order of National Security Merit, 1970 & 1973 Series
• 특별상이기장 (特別傷痍記章) Special Wound Medal
• 특산물 품평회 (特産物 品評會) Specialty Product Fair

• 패용 (佩用) Wearing (a Decoration) Often found in legal statutes regarding medals and badges
• 평생장 (平生章) “Life Medal”, 40 Year Police Service Medal
• 포상 Prize
• 포장 (褒章) “Merit Medal”, All Series
• 표면 (表面) The surface; the face; the obverse
• 표창 (標章) “Commendation”
• 표창장 (表彰狀) A certificate [letter] of commendation; a citation; a testimonial
• 품평회 (品評會): Product Show

• 하 (下) Below, the low class (grade); inferiority; the second volume; the third (last) volume
• 한국 (韓國) commonly used in South Korea to mean “South Korea” or “Korea” (as a whole). South Koreans will occasionally use Namhan (남한, 南韓; “South Han”) for South Korea, and Bukhan (북한, 北韓; “North Han”) for North Korea. Less formally, South Koreans will use the term 이북 (以北0; Ibuk “The North”) to refer to North Korea.
• 한미 Korean/American. It is a contraction of the words 한국 (South Korea) and 미국 (America)
• 합참의장표창 Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Decoration
• 해방 (解放) liberation
• 해방기장 (解放記章) Liberation Medal
• 혁신장(革新章) “Hyeoksin Medal”, 2^nd Class Order of Science and Technology Merit
• 협동 (協同) “Hyeobdong”, 3^rd class, Order of Saemaeul Service Merit, 1973 Series
• 홍인 (興仁) “Heung-in”, 2^nd   class, Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, 1970 Series
• 홍조 (紅條) “Red Stripes”, 3^rd class, Order of the White Star, 1951 & 1963 Series and the Order of Service Merit, 1967 & 1970 Series
• 화관 (花冠) “Hwa-gwan”, 5^th class, Order of Culture, 1973 Series
• 화랑 (花郞) “Hwarang”, 4^th class, Order of Military Merit, 1951 and later Series
• 황조 (黃條) “Yellow Stripes”, 2^nd   class, Order of the White Star, 1950 & 1963 Series and the Order of Service Merit, 1967 & 1970 Series
• 협찬회 (協贊會): (Exposition) Sponsor Association
• 훈기 (勳記) Document for an Order
• 훈장 (勳章) “Hun Jang”, Order
• 휴육포장 (休育褒章) “Sports Merit Medal” 1973 Series, also see 체육포장 (體育褒章)
• 휴육훈장 (休育勳章) “Order of Sports Merit”, 1973 Series, also see 체육훈장 (體育勳章)

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1. For more on the subject, see the Wikipedia page on Konglish.
2. The term for coffee was supposedly introduced into Korea during the Japanese Occupation, 1910-1945, however coffee was used by the Korean Royal Family earlier than that. See the Coffee Poisoning Plot of Sept. 11, 1898.
3. The exact number of unique Chinese characters used through the ages is unknown, but easily exceeds 100,000.