The seal known in Korean as an "Injang," typically bears the official name of an organization or a country. In the context of national insignia, the National Seal of the Republic of Korea, it would traditionally include the country's formal name in Korean characters (Hangul): 대한민국 (Daehan Minguk), which translates to the Republic of Korea.
The design of such a seal is very distinctive. The characters are usually arranged in a particular order to fit within the square confines of the seal. Due to the square shape, the characters are stylized and often elongated vertically. The Hangul characters are carved in relief, appearing prominently when the seal is stamped onto documents with red seal ink.
The arrangement of the characters in this seal is not arbitrary. It is often a reflection of Korean aesthetic principles, which value balance and symmetry. The characters are usually arranged to be read from top to bottom and right to left, which is a traditional East Asian format.
The National Seal is an emblem of sovereignty and is used in official settings, symbolizing the authority of the state. It would be used to authenticate documents such as diplomatic credentials, official announcements, and other state decrees. The use of the seal is strictly controlled by law, and it represents the highest level of formal authentication for government documents in South Korea.
In terms of design, Korean seals are typically red, as red is considered a color of authority and significance in many East Asian cultures. The ink used with these seals, often made from cinnabar, leaves a bright red imprint. The seal itself is a powerful national symbol, encapsulating the identity and cultural heritage of the Republic of Korea.