What is the national flower of South Korea?

The national flower of South Korea is the Rose of Sharon, the common English name for Hibiscus syriacus. In Korea, it is called mugunghwa, a name often translated as “eternal blossom” or “flower that never fades.”

Mugunghwa has strong cultural and national symbolism. It appears in Korean emblems and is mentioned in the South Korean national anthem, where the country is poetically associated with its enduring bloom. The flower is also linked with resilience and continuity, qualities that helped make it a powerful national symbol.

Hibiscus syriacus is a deciduous shrub in the mallow family. It produces showy flowers in shades including white, pink, purple, and red, often with a darker central eye. Although the English name “Rose of Sharon” is common in North America, it should not be confused with unrelated plants that share that biblical common name.

The plant has a long history in East Asia. It was cultivated in Japan by the eighth century and later became familiar in European gardens. In South Korea, “mugunghwa” is the clearest cultural answer, while Rose of Sharon and Korean rose are accepted English equivalents.