South Korea

General Description / Cultural Significance

South Korea, encompassing the mountainous Korean Peninsula and its surrounding islands, is a nation that seamlessly blends rapid modernization with deep-rooted cultural heritage. Its capital, Seoul, ranks as the world’s sixth leading global city, according to the Global Power City Index, and serves as the epicenter of the country’s economic and technological advancements. Over half of South Korea’s population resides in high-rise apartments clustered around the capital, benefiting from one of the most advanced lifestyle support systems in the world. Yet, despite its prosperity, Seoul has often been described as a “concrete forest, devoid of emotional fulfillment,” with high pollution levels, uncommunicative architectural designs, and a diminishing sense of traditional ambiance.

This urban reality has fueled an ongoing national dialogue about the importance of identity, place, and the preservation of cultural ties. Few symbols capture the essence of South Korean heritage as profoundly as the Mugunghwa (Hibiscus syriacus). It is 무궁화 in Korea, meaning “never-withering flower,” and is also known as the Rose of Sharon. This flower has been deeply interwoven with the country’s history, resilience, and national identity.

The Mugunghwa’s cultural significance dates back over 1,400 years. The Silla Kingdom once referred to itself as the “Country of Mugunghwa,” a name that persisted until the Goryeo Dynasty. The flower’s enduring presence is also embedded in the country’s national anthem, which poetically describes the mountains as being filled with its blossoms. The name mugunghwa itself translates to “never-withering flower,” symbolizing perseverance, sincerity, and an indomitable spirit—qualities that resonate with Korea’s historical struggles and triumphs.

Botanically, the Mugunghwa is a hardy deciduous shrub that can grow up to 13 feet in height. It produces large, trumpet-shaped pink flowers with a distinctive red center and white stamens tipped with yellow. While there are approximately 100 cultivars indigenous to Korea, the officially recognized national variety is the Tashim subspecies, characterized by its single pink blossom with a red center.

Despite its revered status, the Mugunghwa faced significant threats during the Japanese occupation (1910–1945). The colonial regime, recognizing the flower’s symbolic strength, actively sought to suppress its presence by cutting down many of the plants and launching a propaganda campaign that discouraged its use. Traditional medicinal practices associated with the flower were undermined, and false claims circulated that touching the plant would cause boils and eye disease. However, many Mugunghwa plants survived, and the flower remained deeply embedded in the Korean consciousness, persisting as a symbol of resilience and national pride.

Today, efforts are underway to restore the Mugunghwa’s botanical prominence within the South Korean landscape. Historically abundant, the flower is now being cultivated more extensively in gardens and urban spaces as part of a broader cultural and environmental initiative. The goal is to reconnect with this historically significant species, reinforcing Korea’s identity as “the land of wise men where the Mugunghwa blooms,” a description once used by ancient Chinese scholars.

Beyond its cultural symbolism, the Mugunghwa possesses notable medicinal and environmental benefits. The flower has traditionally been brewed into a fragrant herbal tea used to alleviate digestive ailments and promote restful sleep. It has also been consumed raw for its antioxidant properties. Modern scientific studies continue to uncover its medicinal potential, with research demonstrating its antifungal properties and wound-healing effects. Notably, recent studies indicate that extracts from the plant may be effective against lung cancer cells.

South Korea’s environmental challenges further highlight the importance of Mugunghwa’s resilience. As one of the fastest-growing emitters of greenhouse gases, the country ranked eighth in global carbon dioxide emissions in a 2011 study, with per capita energy consumption projected to surpass that of the United States by 2035. Climate change has already led to a rise in annual precipitation, a doubling of rainfall intensity since the 1970s, the spread of new diseases, and increased mortality rates due to heat waves. The rapid deforestation of non-mountainous regions has exacerbated air pollution concerns, making it imperative to explore sustainable solutions. Fortunately, the Mugunghwa is uniquely adapted to survive in polluted environments and has been shown to improve air quality. Cutting-edge genomic research continues to investigate its bio-capacity, with findings suggesting that its roots possess significant antifungal properties while its flower extracts exhibit potent therapeutic potential.

In 2015, South Korea commemorated the 70th anniversary of its liberation with the publication of a book dedicated to the Mugunghwa. The book documented 153 species of the flower and underscored the importance of conservation in the face of biodiversity loss. As global environmental crises intensify, efforts to preserve the Mugunghwa serve not only as a means of cultural reaffirmation but also as a step toward ecological resilience.

The Mugunghwa legacy endures as a testament to South Korea’s ability to balance modern progress with a deep respect for its heritage. As the country grapples with urbanization, environmental challenges, and the search for cultural continuity, this “never-withering flower” remains a powerful emblem of endurance, identity, and hope for the future.

Climate Change / Conservation Status

The Mugunghwa stands as a symbol of endurance and resilience, much like the South Korean people themselves. However, climate change presents a growing set of challenges that threaten its longevity and presence in the country’s landscapes. Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, air pollution, and ecosystem changes pose significant risks to both human and plant life, including this beloved flower. South Korea’s average temperature has increased by more than 1.4°C since the early 20th century, surpassing the global average rate of warming. In 2018, the country recorded a temperature of 41.0°C, marking an alarming trend of extreme heat that continues to intensify.

For the Mugunghwa, these rising temperatures bring both advantages and challenges. While naturally hardy and more tolerant of heat and drought conditions than many other species, prolonged exposure to high temperatures may accelerate its blooming cycle, leading to shorter flowering durations and potential disruptions in pollination. Additionally, heat stress can weaken the plant’s resistance to diseases and pests, making it more susceptible to environmental threats.

Despite its historical resilience, the Mugunghwa now faces unprecedented environmental pressures that necessitate proactive conservation efforts. To ensure its continued survival as an enduring emblem of South Korea’s identity and natural heritage, long-term strategies must integrate climate resilience planning. This includes genetic research to enhance its adaptability to heat and disease, establishing protected growing areas, and reforestation programs incorporating native plant species. Additionally, urban greening initiatives can help mitigate air pollution while fostering a deeper connection between citizens and this national symbol.

Alternate Names

Rose of Sharon

Korean Rose

근화 (Geunhwa) – A historical term sometimes used in poetry and literature.대한국화 (Daehangukhwa) – Meaning “the national flower of Korea.”

Sources

Korean Cultural Service, for Ambassador Park Soo Gil, UN Mission

Goldhagen, Sarah. 18 May 2012. “Sarah Williams Goldhagen On Architecture: Living High”. New Republic.

Marshall, Colin. 18 July 2017. “Lacking Seoul? Why South Korea’s Thriving Capital Is Having An Identity Crisis”. The Guardian. 

Kim, Hee-sung. “What you didn’t know about Korea’s national flower.” The official website of the republic of Korea. 

Goh, Kenneth “National Flower Series–East Asia 4–Republic of Korea (South Korea)–Hibiscus Syriacus” Guai Shu Shu, 5 May 2013, 

“The National Flower – Mugunghwa” South Korea Ministry of the Interior, 

Kwon, Sung Won, Soon Sun Hong, Jong In Kim, and Il Ho Ahn. “Antioxidant properties of heat-treated Hibiscus syriacus.” Biology Bulletin 30, no. 1 (2003): 15-16.

Cho, ChaeYun. 18 August 2015. “South Korea’s National Flower Mugunghwa – Ambassador Report”. Tunza Eco Generation. 

Jang, Yun-Woo, Jin-Young Jung, In-Kyoung Lee, Si-Yong Kang, and Bong-Sik Yun. “Nonanoic acid, an antifungal compound from Hibiscus syriacus Ggoma.” Mycobiology 40, no. 2 (2012): 145-146.

Yoon, Seok Won, Kang Pa Lee, Do-Yoon Kim, Dae Il Hwang, Kyung-Jong Won, Dae Won Lee, and Hwan Myung Lee. “Effect of absolute from Hibiscus syriacus L. flower on wound healing in keratinocytes.” Pharmacognosy magazine 13, no. 49 (2017): 85.

Shi, Li-Shian, Chao-Hsuan Wu, Te-Chun Yang, Chen-Wen Yao, Hang-Ching Lin, and Wen-Liang Chang. “Cytotoxic effect of triterpenoids from the root bark of Hibiscus syriacus.” Fitoterapia 97 (2014): 184-191.

“Each Country’s Share of CO2 Emissions”. 2017. Union Of Concerned Scientists. 

“South Korea” Climate Action Tracker. 

Myeong, Ph. D, Soojeong. “The National Climate Change Adaptation Plan of Korea” 10 May 2012. Korea Adaptation Center for Climate Change, Korea Environment Institute.