President of South Korea Park Geun-hye | Established 13 August 1949 | |
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Eligibility Head of State of South Korea or its allies, as well as spouses of heads of state Awarded for Outstanding meritorious services in the interest of promoting the development and security of the Republic of Korea. Next (lower) Order of Merit for National Foundation | ||
The Grand Order of Mugunghwa (Korean: 무궁화대훈장) is the highest order awarded by the government of the Republic of Korea. It can be awarded to the individuals who are serving or have previously served as the Head of State of the Republic of Korea and its allies, as well as to the spouse of a head of state. The order is presented for, "Outstanding meritorious services in the interest of promoting the development and security of the Republic of Korea." The order is traditionally awarded to the President of the Republic of Korea after their inauguration. Prior to his inauguration, President Roh Moo-Hyun declined the immediate award instead wishing to be invested with the order upon his departure from office.
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The Grand Order of Mugunghwa takes its name from the national flower of Korea, the Rose of Sharon. The Rose of Sharon is a cultivar native to the Korean peninsula and has great cultural significance in Korean history.
Appearance
The Grand Order of Mugunghwa consists of an insignia worn from a collar around the neck, a badge suspended from a sash, and a breast star. A lapel badge is also available. The sash of the order is worn from the left shoulder to the right hip. The Grand Order of Mugunghwa is made of gold and silver and includes ruby and amethyst gemstones. The decoration costs approximately 20 million won, or $19,000 U.S. dollars.
Recipients
The Grand Order of Mugunghwa is traditionally awarded to the incoming President of the Republic of Korea shortly after their inauguration. Before his inauguration, President Roh Moo-Hyun decided not to accept the award as is traditional, but to receive it from the incoming president upon his own departure from the office. After their conviction for treason in 1996, the former presidents, Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-Woo, were ordered to return the award along with other State decorations that they were awarded. While Chun agreed to return the awards, he and Roh have yet to actually return them.