Here are some translations of Korean and Chinese words that you might find useful.

Stylized Old Hanʼgŭl, normally written as ᄒᆞᆫ
Today, it is written as 한

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.

There are several Korean characters (ᄛ, ㅱ, ㅸ, ᄼ, ᄾ, ㅿ, ㆁ, ᅎ, ᅐ, ᅔ, ᅕ, ㆄ, ㆆ and ᆞ) which are now obsolete; however, you may encounter them 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.

대수 Sash (Literally Large Ribbon)
중수 Cravat, Neck Ribbon (Literally Middle Ribbon)
소수 Breast Ribbon (Literally Small Ribbon)
부장 Breast Star
약장 Ribbon Bar (약장 is also used for Miniature Medal)
금장 Lapel Pin

TRANSLATIONS FROM KOREAN 번역한글 (with Chinese in parentheses 한자 [漢字]). You will find translations from Chinese and mixed Chinese/ Korean at the bottom of this page.

ㄱ

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
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

ㄴ

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

ㄷ

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”

ㄹ

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)
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

ㅁ

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

ㅂ

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.

ㅅ

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
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.
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”

ㅇ

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
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

ㅈ

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) Serial Number (lit. ordered number)
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’
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

ㅊ

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

ㅋ

크기 (尺寸) Size

ㅌ

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

ㅍ

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

ㅎ

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)

TRANSLATIONS: CHINESE AND MIXED CHINESE/KOREAN, AS FOUND ON KOREAN ORDER AND MEDALS

零 (령) Zero
一等 (일등) “First Class” used on: Order of Diplomatic Service, 1961, 1963 & 1967 Series (Chinese text unconfirmed on 1961 Series), Order of National Security Merit, 1967 Series and Order of Service Merit, 1961 Series
二等 (이등) “Second Class” used on: Order of Diplomatic Service, 1961, 1963 & 1967 Series, Order of National Security Merit, 1967 Series and Order of Service Merit, 1961 series
三等 (삼등) “Third Class” used on: Order of Diplomatic Service 1961, 1963 & 1967 Series, Order of National Security Merit, 1967 Series and Order of Service Merit, 1961 Series
四等 (사등) “Fourth Class” used on: Order of Diplomatic Service, 1961, 1963 & 1967 Series, Order of National Security Merit, 1967 Series and Order of Service Merit, 1961 Series
五等 (오등) “Fifth Class” used on: Order of Diplomatic Service, 1961, 1963 & 1967 Series, Order of National Security Merit, 1967 Series and Order of Service Merit, 1961 Series
六二五사변종군기장 “6.25 (June 25) Incident Participation Medal” Korean War Service Medal, Type 2
六等 (육등) Sixth Class used on: Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, 1961 Series and Order of Service Merit, 1961 Series
七等 (칠등) Seventh Class used on: Order of Service Merit, 1961 Series
八 (팔) Eight
九 (구) Nine
十 (십) Ten
呀 (하) Ten. Rarely used, and is, normally written as: “十”.
〹, 廾 or 廿 (입) Twenty. Rarely used, normally written as: “二十”. It is actually a contraction of 二十. This form is still used to refer to Chinese calendar dates.
卅 or 丗 (세) Thirty. Rarely used, normally written as: “三十”. It is actually a contraction of 三十. This form is still used to refer to Chinese calendar dates.
卌 (Used in Japan and China, not used in Korea and not recognized by most translation programs) Rarely used, normally written as: “四十”. Possibly, a contraction of 〹〹, 廾廾 or 廿廿.
百 (백) Hundred (100)
千 (천) Thousand (1,000)
萬 (만) Ten-thousand (10,000)
弌 (일) One, an obsolete financial form used for the number one, and not commonly seen.
弍 (이) Two, an obsolete financial form, a simplified variant of 弐, 貮 or 貳 and not commonly seen.
弎 (삼) Three, an obsolete financial form, a variant of 叁 and not commonly seen. The character 叁 is generally used in accounting to prevent fraud.
貮 (이) Two, an obsolete financial character used for the number two, and not commonly seen, found on the Second Class of the Orders of the Korean Empire.
䦉 (사) Four, an obsolete financial form.
伍 (오) Five, a financial form. (Mostly seen on Mahjong Tiles)
什 (십) Ten. Rarely used, and is, normally written as: “十”.
壹 (일) One, found on Korean Empire Orders as: 壹等 First Class
參 (참) Three, found on Korean Empire Orders as: 參等 Third Class
瑞星 (서성) Auspicious Stars, however, the Korean words “서성” are a homophone for “Three Stars”
日 (일) Day
月 (월) Month
年 (년) Year
第 (제) 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”.
第_號 (제_호) Serial Number (lit. an ordered number)
度 (도) When used in a date 度 is a classifier for events or occurrences: 1^st, 2^nd, 5^th, the 10^th.
功 (공) Achievement
勳章 (훈장) Order
正章 (정장) Badge, pendant
副章 (부장) Breast Star
等 (등) Class. Found on Korean Orders to indicate the Class.
大韓民國 (대한민국) “Republic of Korea”
大韓民國軍人遺族記章 (대한민국군인유족기장) “Republic of Korea Soldiers Bereaved Family Medal” Commonly referred to as the Korean next of kin medal
韓國 (한국) Commonly used in South Korea to mean “South Korea” or “Korea” (as a whole).
奉仕章 (봉사장) “Service Medal”, 20 Year Police Service Medal
忠誠章 (충성장) “Loyalty Medal”, 30 Year Police Service Medal
平生章 (평생장) “Life Medal”, 40 Year Police Service Medal
標章 (표장) Commendation Medal/Badge
表彰狀 (표창장) A certificate [letter] of commendation; a citation; a testimonial
襟章 (금장) Lapel/Collar Pin/Badge
褒章 (포장) Merit Medal/Badge
纪念 (기념) “Commemorate”
記念 (기념) to commemorate; to mark; to remember; souvenir; memento; keepsake
記章 (기장) Miscellaneous or other Medal. Used for medals below Orders, Merit Medal or Commendation Medal
記念章 (기념장) Commemorative Medal/Badge
功勞章 (공로장) Merit Medal
有功章 (유공장) Merit Medal
役員章 (역원장) Officer’s Badge
参加章 (참가장) Participation Badge
修錬章 (수동장) Training Badge
誠實章 (성실장) “Faithfulness Medal”, 10 Year Police Service Medal
徽章(휘장) Literally “Beautiful Badge”, but generally translated as “Special Badge”
銅 (동) bronze
銀 (은) Silver
金 (김) Gold
牌 (패) Class or grade as in Silver Class or Gold Class
綬 (수) When translated from Chinese to English, you get ‘silk ribbon attached to an official seal or medal’. When translated into Korean, you get the Konglish word 리본, pronounced ‘Ribbon’.
純 (순) Pure as in Pure Silver (Sterling Silver) or Pure Gold
朝鮮 (조선) 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. Korean English Translator Programs will commonly translate it as North Korea, so you need to decide if you are dealing with Pre- or Post-1945.
朝鮮日報 (조선일보) Chosŏn ilbo or Korea Daily News
朝鮮鉄道局 (조선철도국) Chosŏn Railway Bureau
朝鮮体育協會 (조선분육협회) Chosŏn Sports Association Chapter
北韓 (북한) North Korea
競進會 (경진회): Competitive Industrial exhibition
博覽會 (박람회): Exposition
博覽會勸業課 (박람회 권업과) Department of Exposition and Industrial Promotion
品評會 (품평회) Product Show
特産物品評會 (특산물 품평회) Specialty Product Fair
協贊會 (협찬회) (Exposition) Sponsor Association
明治 (명치) 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’.)
大正 (대정) 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’.)
昭和 (소화) 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’.)
京城 (경성) Gyeongseong “Capital City”. It translates as capital (京) + fortress (城) and implies that this is where the King resides. Pronounced as Keijo by the Japanese. It was the official name for Seoul, used during the Japanese Occupation of Korea. It is not a new phrase coined by the Japanese, but was a term which has an extensive history throughout Asia. Frequently, translation programs will render it as Beijing (China). During the Chosŏn Dynasty (1392–1910), it started to be called “Seoul” by the public.
鮮満 (선만) Sen-Man Term used until late 1945, by the Japanese for the area encompassing Korea and Manchukuo
鮮満支 (선만지) Sen-Man-Ji Term used until late 1945, by the Japanese for the area encompassing Korea, Manchukuo, and China
満州國 (만주국) State of Manchuria (1932–1934) It was a republic until 1934 and had little international recognition and was under the de facto control of Japan.
満州帝國 (만주제국) Empire of Manchuria (1934–1945) In 1934, it became a constitutional monarchy, with little international recognition and was under the de facto control of Japan.
大満州帝國 (대만주제국) Great Empire of Manchuria (1934–1945)

Footnotes:

For more on the subject, see the Wikipedia page on Konglish.
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.
The exact number of unique Chinese characters used through the ages is unknown, but easily exceeds 100,000.