The purpose of this study is to investigate the strategic potential of Taekil (Auspicious date selection) by applying the Saenggi-bokdeok method of Hong-guk Gimun to modern corporate management. Specifically, it seeks to identify the empirical correla...
The purpose of this study is to investigate the strategic potential of Taekil (Auspicious date selection) by applying the Saenggi-bokdeok method of Hong-guk Gimun to modern corporate management. Specifically, it seeks to identify the empirical correlation between the founding and listing dates of companies and their subsequent financial performance.
In traditional society, Taekil served as a practical knowledge system for determining fortune and misfortune at critical life transitions—such as agricultural activities, marriage, relocation, funerals, and construction—thereby facilitating efficient living. Following industrialization, as the center of production shifted from agriculture to manufacturing and services, the daily use of Taekil declined. However, selecting symbolic moments like founding and listing dates remains significant today in terms of forming organizational identity, building public image, and rationalizing managerial decision-making. Particularly in the increasingly uncertain global business environment, the temporal selection of major events functions beyond mere custom, acting as a strategic decision-making factor.
This research moves beyond existing cultural and symbolic approaches to attempt an empirical analysis of the economic effects of Taekil. The subjects of this study include 100 companies that meet specific criteria among the 961 companies listed on the KOSPI market as of September 1, 2025. The sample includes 87 long-standing companies (over 30 years old) and 13 startups (under 30 years old), with 4 KOSDAQ-listed companies included to supplement the analysis. The analytical framework is based on the Saenggi-bokdeok method derived from the Eight Trigrams (Bagua) of Hong-guk Gimun. Based on their founding and listing dates, companies were classified into eight Taekil types: Cheon-ui, Saeng-gi, Bok-deok, Jeol-che, Yu-hon, Hwa-hae, Jeol-myeong, and Gwi-hon. These types were further categorized into three groups—Auspicious, Neutral, and Inauspicious—with the "Auspicious" group serving as the primary subject of research to verify the correlation between each type and financial performance. Financial indicators used included revenue, capital stock, total equity, and market capitalization.
For statistical analysis, Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient was utilized as the primary tool, while Kendall’s Tau was applied to groups with smaller sample sizes to ensure stability in the results. The findings revealed that companies with founding dates falling on "Auspicious Days" showed a relatively positive trend in major financial indicators such as revenue and total equity, with this synergy being particularly pronounced in the startup group. Conversely, while the analysis of the entire sample based on listing dates showed limited correlation between auspicious days and financial performance, differential effects were observed based on industry sector, company size, and years since establishment. Furthermore, detailed analysis by trigram type showed that the Cheon-ui type generally exhibited superior financial performance; the Saeng-gi type was characterized by active early management and growth potential; and the Bok-deok type tended to show rapid growth after reaching a certain scale. This suggests that Taekil types form a specific correlation with the growth stages and life cycles of a corporation.
This paper holds significant academic value as the first empirical study in Korea to combine traditional Taekil methods with corporate management performance analysis. Unlike previous studies that focused on symbolic or cultural interpretations, this research verifies the economic and strategic effects of Taekil quantitatively by setting the founding and listing dates—key milestones in a company’s life cycle—as variables. By presenting Taekil as a supplementary indicator for corporate decision-making and early-stage entrepreneurship, this study enhances practical utility. The results can be utilized in determining corporate founding and listing dates, evaluating company value for investors, and establishing brand strategies. Future expansion of the theory and practical application is expected through the inclusion of larger samples and more sophisticated analytical variables.
Keywords: Taekil, Hongguk Gimun, Saeng-gi-bok-deok method, founding date, listing date, Financial Performance, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient