The national flower of Korea "Mugunghwa"

"Mugunghwa" The Rose of Sharon

According to ancient scriptures, Koreans have treasured the rose of Sharon,

 or "Mugunghwa", as a heavenly flower since the ancient times.

 As such it was a great choice for Korea's national flower.

The Shilla Kingdom called itself the Mugunghwa Country, and even the ancient Chinese referred to Korea as "The land of gentlemen where Mugunghwa blooms.

" Love for the flower was further heightened whenMugunghwa 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.

 

There are more than 100 types of the rose of Sharon indigenous to Korea.

 There are single, semi-double, and double types of flowers.
 Depending on the colors of the flower, they are divided into 3 groups,
 Dansim (a flower with a red center), Baedal (a Pure white flower),
 and Asadal (a flower with pink dots on the edges of its petals).

 The Dansim and single type of flowers, serve as Korea's national flower.

The rose of Sharon blooms from early July through late October.

 Around 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 everlasting flower represents the wish for
lasting national development and prosperity.

Koreans cherish and care for the national flower as it symbolizes the many triumphs and successes the country has experienced and the trials and tribulations the people have overcome. The Mugunghwa is not simply a flower: it's Korea's victory in history.

photo by http://cafe.naver.com/dsmjlee