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A national flower can reflect the values of a country. That well describes mugunghwa, Korea's national flower, records of which date back to Silla times (57 B.C. – A.D. 935). This flower has remained close to people's hearts for over a thousand years. As an emblem of Korea, its image can be commonly found at state functions, on government buildings, as a rating system for good restaurants, on the tips of flagstaffs holding the national flag and even referred to in the national anthem.
Mugunghwa's scientific name is Hibiscus syriacus, but it is better known in English as Rose of Sharon. It tends to bloom in red, white, pink or purple with a bright red center, and it blossoms from early July to late October. Some 2,000 to 3,000 flowers can bloom on a single tree, which adapts well to grafting and can withstand pollution.
The five petals of the flower represent five traditional kinds of duty, five kinds of happiness, five kinds of unity and other qualities that all add up to the meaning of peace and happiness. When the flower withers, all the petals wither away at the same time, symbolizing the strong bond between them.
How much Koreans have loved this flower can be seen through Korean history. The Silla Kingdom used to call itself “geunhwa-hyang” (槿花鄕) meaning the country of mugunghwa. The same nickname also appears in the records of the Goryeo Dynasty (A.D. 918 – 1392) during the reign of King Yejong.The Chinese work of literature Shanhaijing (山海經) or “The Classic of Mountains and Seas" described Korea as “a country of virtue that has mugunghwa, which blossoms in the morning and withers at night.”
Furthermore, according to Dongeuibogam, the 25-volume medical encyclopedia compiled by Heo Jun (1539-1615), the court doctor of the Joseon Dynasty, the flower can be used to make tea to alleviate thirst after constipation, and to treat insomnia. Incidentally, the Dongeuibogam was this year listed in UNESCO's Memory of the World registry of cultural treasures.
Popular misconceptions about mugunghwa
Given Korea's long history of one struggle after the other against war and invasion, it is no coincidence that people chose mugunghwa, the flower of strong perseverance and a symbol of loyalty to the nation, as one of the symbols to keep people together.
The flower especially proved its worth in the early 20th century, when Korea was annexed by Japan from 1910 to 1945. It wasn't just the people who suffered. A great number of mugunghwa trees were cut and burnt down. This is because many Korean independence fighters scattered throughout Chinese Manchuria, Shanghai, the United States and Europe used mugunghwa as the symbol of the spirit of resistance.However back home, under the Japanese colonial regime, children were taught that mugunghwa was a bloody-eyed flower that could cause eye diseases and boils on the skin if one touched it. Some schools even gave prizes for students who uprooted mugunghwa plants. Unfortunately, this disinformation withstood the country' liberation, leaving the flower relatively unpopular with the public, despite its significance. Much work is being done to undo this calumny.
Another misconception about mugunghwa is that it is difficult to cultivate because the tree is easily infested with aphids. This has led people to replace mugunghwa with other flowers or trees reputed to be easier to take care of. This is why mugunghwa these days can be found usually at schools or government complexes only. However, recent research from the Rural Development Administration confirmed that while it is true that mugunghwa harbors more aphids than other flowers, the problem can be handled by ladybugs, the natural enemies of aphids, if given sufficient time. The administration explained that this is one reason mugunghwa has thrived in the past, even in isolated areas.
Mugunghwa Parks to enjoy
Efforts are being made to help the locals get in touch with the national flower as their ancestors once did a long time ago.
So far there are over 200 kinds of mugunghwa in the world, thanks to experimentation by the agriculture department of Seoul National University. The University has imported and studied other various kinds from abroad since 1947.
This year at the heart of Seoul in Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu district, 500 pots of white and red mugunghwa were placed from August 15, the day that marks the national liberation from Japan.You can also find mugunghwa in Namsan Park. The outdoor botanical garden, the fountain area and Namsan road area is surrounded by them, unfazed by the heat. Enjoy the mugunghwa in full bloom as you take a healthy walk along the 7.2 kilometer-long forest path.
Hangang Park in Yanghwa, Yeongdeungpo-gu has also had a display of Korea's national flower since August 14. The exhibition, which will go on until mid-October, boasts over 160 kinds of mugunghwa.
Meanwhile, the Korea Forest Service and the Korea Land Corporation signed an agreement last week to establish flower paths and parks dedicated to the national flower. According to the plan, a total of 15 new cities will have mugunghwa theme parks and flower paths.
Details will be laid out for developing market-friendly varieties of mugunghwa and training related personnel. “The plan is to improve the looks of the cities as well as to form a special site for mugunghwa by making a landmark and developing related cultural content that will help make people fond of our national flower once again,” an official at Korea Forest Service said.
By Kim Hee-sung
Korea.net Staff Writer
