Korea Gas Corporation, commonly known as KOGAS, is South Korea’s national natural gas company, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Daegu. Its current logo, introduced in 1997, was part of a comprehensive corporate identity overhaul that accompanied the company’s “second founding” declaration aimed at becoming a world-class energy enterprise.
Design and History
In 1997, KOGAS declared a “second founding” to leap toward becoming a world-class company and unveiled a new corporate identity (CI) as part of that effort. The CI change was comprehensive, replacing not only the symbol mark and logotype but also the company flag, song, dedicated colors, typefaces, mascot, and other visual identity elements. The company retained only its name, “Korea Gas Corporation,” while changing its motto, emblem, management philosophy, and organizational culture.[1][2]
The symbol mark was designed to express the company’s status as a world-class comprehensive energy company that creates a better world through clean energy. The white shape on the central axis represents the core (nucleus) of energy, the blue gradation and white contrast signify clean energy, and the round outer shape expresses the whole world.[3][4]
As part of the same identity program, KOGAS introduced a mascot called “Gasdori,” created by synthesizing a child’s face with a flame shape to convey a friendly, service-oriented image as a public institution. The mascot was designed to act as a catalyst between KOGAS and its customers and was used across campaigns, print advertising, and promotional materials.[3][1]
Meaning and Symbolism
According to KOGAS’s official brand guidelines, the symbol mark’s design elements carry specific meanings: the white shape on the central axis represents the core of energy, the blue gradation contrasted with white signifies clean energy, and the round shape expresses the entire world. The overall mark is intended to project the image of a global giant and a world-class comprehensive energy company.[3][4]
In trademark registrations, the mark is described as a stylized flame surrounded by a navy blue circle, with the stylized wording “KOGAS KOREA GAS CORPORATION” appearing to the right of the circle.[5]
Typography and Design
KOGAS specifies that its logotype typeface cannot be changed arbitrarily under any circumstances. The official colors for the typeface are KOGAS dark gray (DIC 546), KOGAS ultramarine (DIC 255), and black. On dark backgrounds, the typeface may be inverted to white, and gold and silver may be used for special effects.[3]
The symbol mark is intended to be used on a white background in principle, though it may be printed on KOGAS ultramarine (DIC 255), black, silver, or gold depending on the situation. The KOGAS color system includes a main and secondary color palette designed to enhance the elegant and clean image of the company as a public institution.[3]
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