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The National Flower - Mugunghwa

Mugunghwa image

National Administration> National Symbols of the Republic of Korea> The National Flower (1)

Origin

The mugunghwa, or the rose of Sharon, is an object of deep affection. Meaning “eternal blossom that never fades,” it has been an important symbol of Korean culture for centuries.
Ancient records show that even before the Gojoseon era (ancient Korean kingdom), the mugungwha was treasured as a “blossom from heaven”. As further testimony of its cultural value, the Silla Kingdom (57 BC – AD 935) called itself Geunhwahyang, meaning Country of the Mugunghwa. The ancient Chinese, too, referred to Korea as the “land of wise men where the mugunghwa blooms.”
Over time, the public affection grew stronger when a phrase extolling the flower’s beauty was included in the national anthem in the late 19th century. Those words are “Mugunghwa samcheonli hwaryeogangsan (Three thousand ri* (equivalent to 1,200 kilometers, the length of the Korean Peninsula) of splendid rivers and mountains covered with mugunghwa blossoms)”. Even during the dark days of Japanese colonial rule, the people’s devotion to the flower never faded. Hence, it was only natural for the government to adopt it as the national flower after Korea regained its independence from Japan.

Varieties

Koreans cherish the national flower because it honors the country’s noble spirit and symbolizes the many successes as well as tribulations that the nation has experienced. Mugunghwa varieties are grouped based on the colors of their blossoms. The groups are dansim, baedal, and asadal.

  • Dansim : White, red, purple, or blue flower with intense red or purple center
  • Baedal : Pure white flower
  • Asadal : White flower with intense red center that fades to pale pink at the petal edges

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Usage

The flower is a symbol in the flags of government and national organizations, decorations, and badges.

Emblem of the President, Lawmaker’s badge, Supreme Court logo
Emblem of the PresidentLawmaker’s badgeSupreme Court logo
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National Administration> National Symbols of the Republic of Korea> The National Flower (2024)

FAQs

What does the Korean national flower symbolize? ›

The mugunghwa, or the rose of Sharon, is an object of deep affection. Meaning “eternal blossom that never fades,” it has been an important symbol of Korean culture for centuries. Ancient records show that even before the Gojoseon era (ancient Korean kingdom), the mugungwha was treasured as a “blossom from heaven”.

What are the national symbols of Republic of Korea? ›

The design is based on the motifs of the Taegeukgi flag and the Mugunghwa flower, which are national symbols. The taegeuk motif is surrounded by five mugunghwa petals, and the entire design is encircled by a ribbon with the letters '대한민국 (Republic of Korea). '

What is national flower and meaning? ›

Named Bunga Raya, with raya meaning celebratory or grand, the flower literally means “celebratory flower”, to reflect the celebration of unity in a multicultural nation.

What is the national flower of North Korea? ›

Historically, Koreans have used the goshawk to hunt pheasants, pigeons and hares and killing a hawk was considered a dishonourable act. The national flower is the Magnolia sieboldii. Within North Korea, the flower can be found everywhere except for North Hamgyong Province, Ryanggang Province and Chagang Province.

What is my Korean birth flower? ›

Each month Korea birth flower
MonthDate RangeBirth Flower
MarchMarch 1-31Daffodils
AprilApril 1-30Daisy
MayMay 1-31Lily
JuneJune 1-30Rose & Honeysuckle
8 more rows
Aug 10, 2022

What Korean name means flower? ›

59. Yeong-Suk. You might remember yeong from some of the names above. It can mean “flower,” “petal,” “brave,” and “hero.”

What does Korea symbol mean? ›

The central emblem is the t'aegŭk, which represents the origin and the duality of the universe. Such characteristics as old and new, light and dark, male and female, and good and evil are reflected in the two intertwined comma-shapes.

What are the four symbols in Korea? ›

Symbolism of the flag

The four black trigrams are specific representations of the movement and harmony of these forces. In detail, the geon symbolizes the sky, the gon the earth, the gam water, and the ri fire. Together, they create harmony around the taegeuk mark.

What is the Korean symbol for love? ›

In recent years, a Korean import has become the gesture of choice: the 'finger heart'. Formed by slightly overlapping the thumb and index finger into a heart shape, the gesture is believed to have originated with actress Kim Hye-soo in 2010.

What does a flower symbolize? ›

While most flowers are symbols of love, peace and a joy, there are a select few that have more somber connotations. Carnations, for example, often fill homes and churches during times of mourning.

What is the significance of national flower? ›

Significance of the National Flower of India

It also symbolises purity of heart, soul, and mind. Because the lotus bloom hovers above muddy swamps, it also denotes devotion and yearning, making it a beloved flower by Indians. In Hinduism, the national flower of India, lotus, is highly revered.

What is the national flower used for? ›

National Flower- Lignum Vitae

In addition to shedding an attractive blue flower, the plant itself is extremely ornamental. The wood is widely used in the manufacture of propeller shaft bearings for ships, as well as in the creation of curios, sought after by visitors and nationals alike.

What is the meaning of the Korean national flower? ›

National flower

The flower's name in Korean is mugunghwa (Korean: 무궁화; Hanja: 無窮花) or mokkeunhwa (목근화; 木槿花). The flower's symbolic significance stems from the Korean word mugung, which means "eternity" or "inexhaustible abundance".

What is flower in Korea? ›

The Korean word for flower is 꽃 (Kkot). As you may have seen, the word ends with ㅊ(with the “t” sound). This means that when you combine it with an object or a noun that denotes particles, you'll say 꽃을 (kkocheul) or 꽃이 (kkochi). 꽃 (Kkot) – Flower.

What do the symbols of North Korea mean? ›

The flag can be displayed both vertically and horizontally. The red star represents communism, red panels represent patriotism, white stripe is unification and culture, with the blue stripe representing unity.

What does the Korean carnation flower mean? ›

Symbolic bout Carnation Korean Flower 카네이션

They both signify different things. The pink bloom signifies love, the red bloom simply says "I love you," and the white carnation shows true love, while the yellow carnations depict rejection and disappointment.

What does hibiscus symbolize? ›

The pink hibiscus flower has its origins in Asia and the Pacific Islands, where it has served as a symbol of beauty, femininity, and young love. It is commonly associated with the Hawaiian culture and the Aloha spirit, which celebrates love, happiness, and peace.

What does the Aster flower symbolize? ›

Named after the Greek word for "Star" due to its blooms resembling a star, Asters symbolize love, wisdom, faith, and color. The Aster flower blooms in pink, red, white, lilac and mauve. This flower became a symbol of love when in Greek mythology it was placed on the altars for the gods.

What does the gladiolus flower mean in Korean culture? ›

The gladiolus is a symbol of strength, courage, and determination. It is a tall, sword-shaped flower that comes in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, and purple. The gladiolus is said to represent the strong and courageous nature of people born in August.

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