The oldest Government Commendation Regulation 정부표창규정 政府表彰規程 that I have found, is Decree 각령 #940, dated Aug. 22, 1962. It is administered by the Ministry of Public Administration and Security 행정안전부 (Office in charge of awards and training상훈담당관실). The regulation stipulated matters regarding commendations awarded by each government agency.
Recognition under this regulation is divided into Achievement Awards, Honor Awards and Cooperation Awards. The criteria for the Cooperation Award could be determined by the head of each central administrative agency. Awards came with a Commendation Document. Prize money and/or other prizes could also be awarded with the commendation.
Achievement Awards 공적상 are awarded to public officials or institutions in the following cases: 1. for excellent and faithful performance of duties, 2. for constructive and creative opinions or ideas which improve administrative efficiency, or 3. for contributing to the national interest and national development through other dedicated services.
Honors Awards 우등상 are given to public officials or institutions in the following cases: 1. excellent educational performance in civil servant education, or 2. for achieving excellent results in various competitions
Cooperation Awards 협조상 are awarded to general public organization or foreigners in the following cases: 1. where there is a remarkable achievement by actively cooperating in the performance of administrative duties, 2. when the country’s honor and prestige are elevated externally, or 3. when contributing to the national interest and development through other dedicated service.
Recognition cannot be awarded twice for the same achievement.
Ministry of Defense Commendation
I recently acquired a Ministry of Defense Commendation 국방부장관 표창, however, I have not been able to find any significant information on it. I know that they are available from Heung Sun Ltd. (주) 훙선, which is a Korean manufacturer and exporter of decorations, rank insignia, medals, ribbons and ribbon bars, buckles, patches, epaulets, etc.
I have found a picture of a regional commander (in uniform) of the Reserve Army receiving this decoration, but I have not been unable to find the regulations. I would appreciate any information or suggestions that you can provide.
Army Chief of Staff Commendation
I have also recently acquire an Army Chief of Staff Commendation, however, like the previous commendation, I have not been able to find any significant information on it, but I have found a picture of an Korean officer in uniform wearing it on the right side of his Chest. It can also be acquired through Heung Sun Ltd. (주) 훙선.
Military Commendation Regulations 군표창규정
The Military Commendation Regulations began on July 16, 1962 with the Legislature 각령 Act #881. Commendations were awarded in four categories: Achievement 공적상, Honor 우등상, Diligence 정근상 and Cooperation 협조상.
Achievement Awards are awarded to units or soldiers that have made remarkable achievements in military affairs. In the case of a unit, a unit citation is awarded, and in the case of a soldier, a personal citation is awarded.
The Honors Award is awarded to a person who is a model for others because of good behavior and excellent academic achievements during the military education period, or to units, government offices, organizations or individuals who have achieved excellent results in various military-related competitions hosted by government agencies or the military.
The Diligence award commends diligence for every three years of active duty to a person who has served as a sergeant and serves as a model for others for a long time.
The Award for Cooperation is a certificate of appreciation to those who actively cooperate with the military as civil servants, civilians or foreigners. It excludes civil servants belonging to the Ministry of Defense.
There is a prohibition against duplicate awards for the same achievement. Once recognition is given, it cannot be rescinded. However, exceptions are made when the achievements for which it was awarded are found to be false. If a person who is to receive a commendation dies before receiving the commendation, the relevant commendation, award, diligence award, or a certificate of appreciation is awarded to a family member. This family member is determined by the provisions of Article 2 of the Military Survivor Badge Decree.
The Military Commendation Regulations 군표창규정 were issued 8 times between July 16, 1962 and Sept. 19, 2017. The only significant change occurred in Presidential Decree 대통령령 #28297, when the Diligence Award was dropped. In none of the decrees that have been issued, is there any mention given to a badge or medal or even to the method of wear for a badge or medal.
National Assembly Commendation
A National Assembly commendation are given to individuals or organization that has made outstanding contributions to legislative support work or have contributed to the development of the country or the National Assembly.
Citations are divided into 4 classifications: Achievement Awards, Creativity Awards, Honor Awards, and Cooperation Awards.
The Achievement Award is given for the excellent and faithful performance of one’s duties, or if they have contributed to the interests of the country or society and its development through dedicated service.
The Creativity Award is given for making creative proposals to improve the efficiency of the National Assembly.
The Honors Award is awarded when a student has excellent grades or has achieved excellent results in various competitions.
The Cooperation Award is conferred to those who have contributed to the development of the country or the National Assembly through outstanding achievements or other dedicated services by actively cooperating with the legislative support work.
Recognition cannot be given twice for the same achievement.
A Flag Cordon is awarded when commendations are given to groups or organizations.
National Election Committee Commendation
Fire Department 119 Commendation Medal
On Apr. 14, 2019 The Korean Fire Department announced the selection of 7 citizens from the general public who risked their lives to save the lives of others at the scene of various disasters and accidents before the 119 rescue team arrived. They were the first group of people to receive the Fire Department’s Righteous Person Commendation Medal.
The ribbon signifies Honor and Glory. If you look closely, you will see “119” in the gold band around the ribbon. 119 is the Korean Emergency Call Number. The Chinese Character at the center of the pendant is the word for Righteous (義, 의). The rays emanating from the center (中支, 중지) signifies that the deed shines brightly. The 12 stars(星, 성) represent the 12 months of the year and the green arms (綠大支, 녹대지) symbolize safety (안전).
Ministry of Interior and Safety
Ministry of Public Administration and Security 행정안전부 표창
Jeju Cultural Center (President Kim Soon-i) received a commendation from the National Archives of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security for the ‘2020 National Archives Management Group Commendation for Contribution to the National Archives’ on December 23, 2020.
The original picture source was DWB News 장애인복지뉴스 Welfare News for Persons with Disabilities, but it no longer exists.
From the Gyeongsangnam Province Archives 경상남도기록원
Safety and Security
국민안전처장관 표창
Administration and Home Affairs
행정자치부장관 표창
Governor’s Commendation
경상남도지사 표창