The mugunghwa, or rose of Sharon, is the national flower of South Korea — an ‘eternal flower’ that blooms tirelessly through the summer and appears in the national anthem.

• National flower: The rose of Sharon (mugunghwa)
• Scientific name: Hibiscus syriacus
• Status: National flower
• Symbolism: eternity and perseverance

About South Korea’s national flower

The mugunghwa (Hibiscus syriacus) produces waves of pink-and-white blooms from summer into autumn, each flower lasting a day but replaced continually — hence its name, meaning ‘eternal’ or ‘immortal flower.’ It is referenced in the Korean national anthem and appears in national emblems.

Symbolism and tradition

The flower’s endless blooming came to symbolize the perseverance and resilience of the Korean people through hardship.

National flower of South Korea FAQs

What is the national flower of South Korea?

The national flower of South Korea is the mugunghwa, or rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), a pink-and-white bloom that even appears in the national anthem.

What does South Korea’s national flower represent?

The mugunghwa symbolizes eternity and perseverance — its name means ‘eternal flower’ — because it blooms continuously through the summer.

What does mugunghwa mean?

Mugunghwa means ‘eternal flower’ or ‘immortal flower,’ reflecting how South Korea’s national flower, the rose of Sharon, blooms continuously through the summer.

Explore more

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