Koreans
have loved the rose of Sharon for centuries. As such it was a logical choice
for Korea's national flower.
According to records, Koreans have treasured the rose of Sharon as a heavenly
flower since ancient times.
In fact, the Silla Kingdom called itself Mugunghwa
Country. Even the ancient Chinese referred to Korea as "The land of gentlemen
where Mugunghwa blooms." Love for the flower was further heightened when
Mugunghwa
samcheolli hwaryeo gangsan" ("Rose of Sharon, thousand miles of beautiful
mountain and river land!") was written into the national anthem of the late
19th century. As the rose of Sharon has been an important part of the Korean
culture for centuries, it was only natural that the government adopted it as
the national flower after Korea was liberated from Japanese colonial rule.
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Botanical name
Hibiscus Syriacus L.
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Distribution
China, northern India, Japan, and Korea
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Varieties
About 200 cultivars, of which 100 are indigenous to Korea. Of these,
the government designated the Dansim, single types of flowers, as
the national flower in 1990.
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Flowering season
From early July to late October (about 100 days)
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There are more than 100 cultivars of the rose of Sharon indigenous to Korea.
There are single, semi-double, and double types of flowers. Depending on the
colors of flower, they are divided into 3 groups, Dansim (flower with red center),
Baedal (Pure white flower), and Asadal (pink dots on the edges of the petals).
The Dansim, single types of flowers, serves as Korea's national flower.
The rose of Sharon blooms from early July through late October. Some 2,000 to
3,000 bloom on a single plant, which is strong enough to survive even when it
is transplanted or cut for decoration or flower arrangements. Thus, the flower
represents the wish for lasting national development and prosperity.
Koreans cherish and care for the national flower as it symbolizes the many glories
the country has experienced and the trials and tribulations the people have
overcome.