Korea's national flower is mugunghwa (rose of Sharon). Mugunghwa is a deciduous flowering shrub species belonging to the family Malyacease. Its Latin name is Hibiscus syriacus. Native to India and East Asia, this species is found in India, China, and Korea (south of South Pyeongan and Gangwon Provinces). Mugunghwa blooms in late summer, generally from July to September and mugunghwa bushes can grow to 2 to 3 meters in height. A mugunghwa shrub bears many sturdy branches, which are smooth, hard, and fibrous. The egg-shaped, deeply-lobed leaves can grow to 4 to 10 centimeters long.
Mugunghwa is so abundant in Korea tht during ancient times the Korean people called the country "the land of mugunhwa." The first reference to mugunghwa and Korea is discovered in an ancient Chinese geographical document presumed to date back to the second century or earlier. The abundance of mugunghwa in Korea is frequently mentioned in Chinese and Korean literature.
Mugunghwa has not been designated by law as Korea's national flower, but it has represented the Korean people since the olden days. Also, the refrain of Korea's national anthem, officially adopted in 1948, following Korea's independence in 1945, begins with "splendid rivers and mountains covered with mugunghwa," which ensured mugughwa's status as the national flower. Emblems of the legislative, judicial and administrative branches all feature mugunghwa, and the tip of the flagpole is mandated to be shaped like a mugunghwa blossom.
This beautiful, yet unassuming flower properly symbolizes the Korean people's disposition. Compared to other flowering trees, mugunghwa is highly resistant to diseases, indicating Korean's resilience. The repeated blossoming also symbolizes the Korean people's indomitable spirit. Young mugunghwa shoots are edible, and its flower petals and fruits are used as ingredients for medicine or tea. Mugunghwa, with many versatile uses for mankind, certainly represents the ideal of humanitarianism.
Source:
"Korea's National Flower - "Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon)." About Korea. Web. 6 Dec. 2011. <http://www.koreaaward.com/kor/288>.
