The Korean people have chosen the right symbol since their country is full of customs and a beautiful nature that deserves to be presented in all its splendor. In the process of reelecting on Korea, the nation placed a high emphasis upon the Korean National Flower or Rose of Sharon or Mugunghwa in the Korean language. In this paper, the author describes the history of the Korean National Flower, its importance in the culture of the country, and the features of its botany – to explain what made it so valued.
What is Korean National Flower
The Rose of Sharon was rooted in Korea for a long time before the country declared the plant its national flower. The origin of the flower can be traced as far back as the three kingdoms period in Korea; the history of depicting it began in the 7th century. It is said that during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) and, especially, the Joseon dynasty (1392–1901), the Korean National Flower was used in many paintings and considered an all-purpose element in Korean culture.
The history of the Rose of Sharon is that after the establishment of a democratic government in Korea in 1948, the flower in question was recognized as the Korean National Flower. This decision was apparently made to support nationalism and promote the idea of Korea’s newly gained independence. Since then, the Korean National Flower has played an important role in various Korean activities, such as official seals, courses, and items.
Hibiscus Korean National Flower
The Korea’s national flower is in the group known nonverbally as Hibiscus, scientifically classified as Hibiscus syriacus. It is an herbaceous plant that occurs as a shrub that grows to a height of 2—4 meters in most cases. Flowers belonging to the Korean national flower are large and brightly colored and can be as large as six to twelve centimeters in size. They are commonly available in white, pink, purple, and blue and sometimes have a darker center.
Another interesting fact worth mentioning concerning the Korean national flower is that it blooms for a very long time. The Rose of Sharon blooms during the summer up to the early months of fall; this is perfect for a garden that wants coverage of cheerful flowers until autumn. This has made the flower gain a lot of acceptance in gardens and landscaping across Korea and the rest of the world.
Korean National Flower Meaning:
The Rose of Sharon is Korea’s most iconic and symbolically meaningful item in Korean culture, surpassing the significance of the title of Korea’s National Flower. On Koreans’ tongues, the flower goes by the name mugunghwa, meaning eternal flower, or flower of eternity, which is a name Koreans deeply cherish since the flower lasts long and blooms for much of the year.
The Korean National Flower is sometimes considered or associated with hard work and determination. As in any other country, Korea has experienced many problems and adversities in its history, but the latter has always been victorious. The Korean people are symbolized by the Rose of Sharon, which blooms incredibly despite the harsh environment that surrounds it.
Furthermore, the Korean National Flower is also reflected in different components of the Korean nation’s culture. It is also mentioned in folk and heroic songs, poems, and sayings with the meanings of beauty and light, purity, and pride of the nation. The image of the Rose of Sharon is also applied to Korean art through traditional painting and modern graphic design.
Korean National Flower Symbol
Still, in modern South Korea, the Rose of Sharon remains a vital component of the Korean self-narrative and the people’s way of life. Many official things, such as the presidential crest and emblem, banknotes, and passports, depict the picture of the national flower. As for appearances, it is also associated with the Korean architecture and design used in structures, landmarks, and areas.
It has also assumed the status of diplomatic identity since the Korean national flower is representative of the culture of the people in this part of the world. If the heads of state and government officials from other countries visit South Korea as their guests, they are mostly gifted items that bear the image of the Rose of Sharon; hence, its symbolism as the nation’s symbol is well placed. Moreover, the Korean national flower image is utilized by Korean embassies and culture centers in various countries to spread information regarding Korean traditions.
Conservation efforts and cultivation
Since the Rose of Sharon is the Korean National Flower, efforts have been made to effectively conserve and spread the species. Wild populations of the flower are currently observed, and the Korean government has taken necessary measures to ensure the flower’s conservation through several conservation programs adapted to its protection and to enhance cultivation of the flower in parks and other related open spaces.
Specialists in Korea have also bred many different cultivars of the Korean National Flower; they can be classified according to color, shape of blossoms, and growth patterns. Such measures have not only assisted in the proper genetic makeup of the species but have also seen the plant gain popularity among garden lovers worldwide.
The Status of the Korean National Flower in Education and Research
The fact that the Rose of Sharon is Korea’s national flower has also propelled its study among the scholarly and scientific communities. Currently, Korean researchers have undertaken various research on flower genetics, ecology, and even the possibility of containing some medical usage. Further, it is also found to be a teaching aid in teaching and learning in schools regarding plants, trees, nature, and Korea’s floral emblem.
Recognition by Other Countries of the Korean National Flower
The Rose of Sharon may be endemic in South Korean culture, but its beauty, which passed through the test of time, did capture the eyes of people worldwide. Today, the Korean National Flower is grown in many countries and more often in certain climates—North America, Europe, and Asia. Thus, global admiration of the Rose of Sharon contributes to the recognition of Korean culture and nature on a global level.
Conclusion
Therefore, the Rose of Sharon, as the Korean National Flower, represents a sign of Koreanness in terms of the alteration of identity as well as the power of the Koreans’ flora to survive and bloom amidst adversity. Since the early stages of Korea’s heritage and up to this generation and the coming generations, the Korean National Flower has inspired the Korean people. The Rose of Sharon genre has been preserved as Korea entered the new millennium in 2000. The Korean National Flower can be viewed singly in an aesthetically maintained garden, in official documents, and even in art; however, the flower will always have a special prominence for the Korean heart and its people.
FAQs
Q. In which locality in South Korea can one find the Korean National Flower?
Currently, the Rose of Sharon can be seen all over South Korea in public parks, gardens, streets, and roads. It is also cultivated in home gardens most of the time.
Q. Is the Korean national flower used for medicinal purposes?
Although the Rose of Sharon is less widely used, some parts of this plant have been used in Korean traditional medicine for several uses.
