Meaning of Military Insignia

Soldiers(―)

It means the strata, and symbolises the spirit of a solider based on obedience, unity, and camaraderie as the basis of the military organisation.

Private
When South Korea's national defense guard was founded, enlisted ranks were divided in to private and private first class. These terms have been used ever since.
Private First Class

When South Korea's national defense guard was founded, enlisted ranks were divided in to private and private first class. These terms have been used ever since.
Corporal/Specialist

In 1962, enlisted ranks were divided into four, and those who were in upper rank of the enlisted were called corporal
Sergeant

The term sergeant was used to signify the head of enlisted ranks

NCO(Non-commissioned Officer)(V)

It means growth(class) and leap, and it expresses the role of a bridge between officers and soldiers, victory, and fighting spirit as a higher class of soldiers(SGM's star symbolises a mature being who has very experienced military careers as NCO)

Staff Sergeant
Sergeant First Class
First Sergeant
Sergeant Major

Warrant Officer

Warrant Officer

Company Grade Officers(O1~O3)

A "Diamond" is located underground, meaning the cornerstone as an officer, and symbolizes a strong bulwark of national defence as a beginner cadre(a symbol of the hardest underground mineral)

Second Lieutenant
First Lieutenant
Captain

Field Grade Officer(O4~O6)

Beautifully composed of bamboo leaves in the shape of flower, it symbolizes always greenness, strong spirit, and constancy (symbol of plants on the ground)

Major
Lieutenant Colonel
Colonel

General(O7~O10)

A “Star” is a celestial body that emits light by itself and symbolizes a mature being who has mastered all the military careers(a celestial symbol in outer space)

Brigadier General
Major general
Lieutenant general
General