By Yoon Sojung
Photos Cheong Wa Dae Facebook

President Moon Jae-in awarded samjeonggeom swords (삼정검, 三精劍) to a total of 56 newly-appointed brigadier generals in the ROK army, navy and air force, in a ceremony at Cheong Wa Dae on Jan. 11.

As the first head of state to ever offer the swords to the newly-promoted military officers, President Moon said, “Awarding the samjeonggeom swords to new officers is a very solemn and proud tradition.”

“This is even more meaningful, as the samjeonggeom swords are designed in the same way as the traditional Joseon saingeom swords (사인검, 四寅劍) were made,” he said.

President Moon explained that the way in which the saingeom swords were made holds great significance, as they were made in the year, month, day and hour of the tiger, one of the 12 zodiac animal deities, in order to put all the evil spirits into the sword and to protect the country.

“From now on, you are shouldering a grave obligation to excellently lead the military and to take responsibility for managing the national security of the country,” said the president.

“I request that you lead the military desirably, so that it can win trust and support from the people,” he said.




In 1983, the sword was initially a samjeongdo, a sword with a one-sided-blade. Since 1987, it has been awarded to newly-appointed brigadier generals.

The sword got its present shape in 2007 after former President Roh Moo-hyun ordered an improvement to its shape, following design cues from the traditional Joseon saingeom weapon.

The samjeonggeom sword, awarded to this year’s 56 newly-appointed brigadier generals, has the president's signature and a well-known phrase from the famous Admiral Yi Sun-shin (이순신 李舜臣) (1545-1498). He is believed to have said that, “Those who dare to die will survive, but those who beg for life surely face death (必死卽生 必生卽死).”



arete@korea.kr