Post: Beyond Cherry Blossoms: Korea's Other Spring Flowers
A guide to Korea’s beautiful spring blooms and their cultural significance
Flowering time: late February – early March.
In culture: One of the “Four Noble” flowers (사군자), symbolizes fortitude, nobility and the beginning of spring.
Four Gentlemen (四君子) is a concept that refers to four plants in the realm of Chinese character culture: plum, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo. It is also called Maeran Gukjuk (梅蘭菊竹), literally: "plum-orchid-chrysanthemum-bamboo".
It is said that among many flowers and plants, these were chosen and called "gentlemen" or "Confucian men", comparing them to people of high learning, character, and virtue. This is because the beauty of these four plants is highly prized, but each of them has a high spirit and dignity. In Confucian society, where unwavering honesty and integrity were considered the greatest virtues of an exemplary Confucian man, the "Four Gentlemen" who steadfastly maintained their strength even in the face of difficulties and adverse conditions were very popular among scholars. That is, the Four Gentlemen were meant to express unwavering convictions and unbending minds, as well as the pursuit of a solitary and transcendental realm, so they often appear in many poems and paintings.
Did you know Korea has entire festivals dedicated to spring blossoms? Discover iconic flower festivals, from the enchanting plum blossoms in Gwangyang to breathtaking cherry blossom celebrations around the country. Don't miss these spring highlights!
Embark on an exciting journey through Korea’s iconic cities: vibrant Seoul, historical Gyeongju, and dynamic Busan. Join us from April 9 to 15, 2025, for an unforgettable experience of tradition, modernity, and spring beauty!
Discover Seoul and beyond! Join our comprehensive cultural expedition (April 16–23, 2025) to experience Korea’s rich heritage, modern wonders, scenic countryside, and hidden gems.
Bloom time: mid-March - early April.
A symbol of purity and innocence. Often featured in poems and modern songs. For example, 목련꽃그늘아래서-백남옥 (Under the Shade of Blooming Magnolias - Baek Namok)
Aspect | Jindallae (Azalea) | Cheoljjuk (Royal Azalea) |
|---|---|---|
Blooming Period | Late March – Mid-April | Mid-April – Early May |
Flower Features | Flowers bloom before leaves; smaller, delicate, pale purple or pink. | Flowers are larger, vibrant pink or white-pink; bloom simultaneously with leaves. |
Leaves | Few or no leaves during flowering period. | Noticeable large green leaves present during flowering. |
Edibility | Edible; used in traditional Korean cuisine (e.g., Jindallae Hwajeon pancakes). | Not edible; considered poisonous. |
Cultural Significance | Symbolizes sadness, separation, and bittersweet love. Frequently referenced in poetry. | Symbolizes beauty and elegance; primarily decorative, less poetic significance. |
Popular Festivals</td |
- If the bush is bright purple, almost leafless, and blooms in early spring, it is 진달래 (Azalea).
- If the bush blooms a little later, the flowers are larger and accompanied by leaves, it is 철쭉 (Royal Azalea).
Brassica napus blooms in April. It seems to have some technical name - rapeseed? However, planted with the purpose of pleasing the viewer, it pleases the viewer. Bright yellow rapeseed fields are a symbol of the southern regions of Korea, especially Jeju and Gyeongju, associated with the romance and tranquility of village life.