한국꽃 엽서 (2017)

Geumgang Chorong is a native Korean flower that grows in the mid-northern mountain areas of Korea. Its scientific name, Hanabusaya asiatica Nakai, is named after Hanabusa Yoshitada, the first Japanese Minister Resident to Korea, by Nakai Takenoshin, a Japanese botanist. How did this flower found only in Korea get a Japanese name? It is because many Korean plants were researched and introduced to academia by Japanese researchers during the Japanese Occupation Period when Korea lost its sovereignty. The names of plants deliver more than their characteristics. They also involve the cultural and historical value of their homes. Now, we will introduce Korean flowers, Kkot in Korean, with their proper names to the world. Let’s share the beauty and value of Korean flowers! Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) - Flowering Time: July to October Mugunghwa is Korea’s national flower. Mugung means eternal, which represents Korea’s lasting prosperity. Koreans began to call their home “Country of Mugunghwa” because Korea was covered by many Mugunghwas. However, during the Japanese Occupation Period (1910-1945), Mugunghwa also suffered from colonialism. Japan pulled Mugunghwa from the land because it was widely loved by Koreans as a symbol of the Korean independence movement against Japan. Mugunghwa spent the times of glory and suffering with the Korean people, and achieved the status of Korean national flower after independence. Haeguk (Seashore Spatulate Aster) – Flowering Time: July to November Haeguk is a native Korean chrysanthemum flower that grows on seashores. Due to its short height and thick leaves, Haeguk endures strong wind and coldness. It produces purple flowers in sunny spots between rocks, in July through November. Haeguk grows only in Korea and Japan. It originated in Ulleungdo and Dokdo, two Korean islands in the East Sea. Dokdo is a Korean territory of special meaning to Koreans because it became the first Korean territory to fall victim to Japanese imperialism in 1905. In fall, Haeguks are in full bloom, coloring Dokdo in purple. Geumgang Chorong Kkot (Geumgang Blue Bell) – Flowering Time: August to October Geumgang Chorong Kkot is a native Korean wild flower that resembles the Korean traditional lamp “Chorong.” It grows only in the mid-northern mountain areas of Korea. It is scientifically called Hanabusaya asiatica Nakai. Hanabusa is the family name of the first Japanese Minister Resident to Korea, and Nakai is the family name of a Japanese botanist. How did a Korean flower get a Japanese scientific name? It was because many Korean plants, including Geumggang Chorong, were researched and introduced to academia by Japanese researchers during the Japanese Occupation Period. Now, we need to introduce their Korean names to the world. Wangbeot Namu (Korean Flowering Cherry) – Flowering Time: April Wangbeot Namu is a native Korean cherry tree that originated on the Korean island of Jeju. Its wood has a high density and it doesn’t easily twist out of shape. It was widely used for bows, construction, and Buddhist scripture printing. Listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World, the Goryeo Daejanggyeong (the Tripitaka Koreana) is also made with more than 60% of this tree. Cherry blossoms represent the spring scenes of Korea. It reaches peak bloom in April, and people flock to popular cherry blossom destinations across Korea. During this season, songs about cherry blossoms are popular. Gaenari (Korean Golden Bell Tree) – Flowering Time: March to April Gaenari is a native Korean flowering plant that blooms yellow flowers in early spring. Its flowers bloom in dazzling yellow along the stems, before the leaves come out. Gaenari has sympetalous flowers. Its petal is split into four in the middle. It has strong resistance to harmful insects and grows in any environment, so it is commonly found across the country. It begins to bloom in March when hopeful students start their new semester. As Gaenari represents a warm spring and a new beginning, it carries the meaning of hope. Jindalrae (Korean Rhododendron) – Flowering Time: March to April Jindalrae is a popular spring flower in Korea. It blooms with pink flowers in March and April, and its flowers come before the leaves. There are different kinds of Jindalrae. It is tenacious and grows even in harsh environments, so it is found across Korea. Its petals are edible and are used to make pancakes, alcohol, and medicine. Jindalrae is a common subject of Korean poems and songs. Besides its natural beauty, Jindalrae became a symbol of lost love and country during the Japanese Occupation Period. Seomgirincho (Ulleungdo Stonecrop) – Flowering Time: July Seomgirincho is a native Korean flower that grows on Korea’s two eastern islands of Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Girincho of different kinds belongs to the stonecrop family. Seomgirincho is most commonly found in Ulleungdo. It was given this name because it resembles an imaginary animal with horns, called Girin. It grows in sunny spots between rocks by the sea and blooms with yellow flowers in July. Ulleungdo has unique natural conditions and ecology and is home to many native plants. Due to its geographical proximity, Dokdo, Korea’s easternmost island, has many of the same plants. Heuksando Bibichu (Heuksando Hosta) – Flowering Time: July to August Heuksando Bibichu is a native Korean flower that grows on Korea’s southern island of Heuksando. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It grows in the shade and blooms with purple flowers in July and August. Its scientific name is Hosta yingeri, named after Barry Yinger, an American botanist who discovered it in Korea in the 1980s. Heuksando Bibichu is widely popular around the world. We hope that people recognize it originated in Korea. Hongdo Wonchuri (Hongdo Daylily) Flowering Time: August to September Hongdo Wonchuri is a Korean native daylily that grows on Korea’s southern island of Hongdo. Daylily of different kinds belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. It grows in sunny areas and blooms in summer. Wonchuri has long been loved by Koreans. After fall, its dry leaves stay on and cover the buds throughout winter. Koreans thought that they resembled a mom protecting her baby, and cherished them. Wonchuri was a common subject of drawings during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Donggang Halmi Kkot (Donggang Pasque) – Flowering Time: April Donggang Halmi Kkot is a native Korean Pasque flower that grows around Donggang (River) in Gangwondo. It is a wild flower that grows only in Korea. Halmi Kkot grows in sunny spots in fields and mountains and blooms with dark purple flowers in April. Halmi in Korean is a humble way for a grandmother to refer to herself. Its flowers and fruits are covered with white hair, growing downward. Koreans thought the flowers looked like a gray-haired old woman and began to call them “Halmi Kkot.” Some children make Jokduri, a Korean traditional coronet worn by women, with Halmi Kkot.