South Korea Celebrates 81st Liberation Day with Mugunghwa Flower Events

South Korea is preparing to mark the 81st anniversary of Liberation Day with a series of events celebrating the nation's flower, the Mugunghwa (rose of Sharon). The National Arboretum and several other botanical gardens are hosting special exhibitions and activities to honor the occasion and educate the public about the significance of the national flower.

The Hanbat Arboretum will hold its 'National Flower Mugunghwa Festival' from July 31 to August 17. This event will feature over 150 potted Mugunghwa plants, showcasing diverse varieties with unique shapes and colors. Visitors can also participate in hands-on activities like making Mugunghwa-themed fans and natural dyeing.

Further commemorating the day, the National Baekdudaegan Arboretum in Bonghwa County and the Sejong National Arboretum will host events highlighting the history and value of the Mugunghwa. The Baekdudaegan Arboretum's special exhibition, 'Flowers Blooming Without End,' runs from August 4 to 30. It will include displays on the flower's origins, its resilience during Japanese colonial rule, its symbolism, and specific varietal characteristics. The outdoor Mugunghwa garden there will exhibit approximately 1,000 plants across 180 varieties.

The Sejong National Arboretum boasts a collection of 2,100 Mugunghwa plants from 218 varieties, displayed systematically. On Liberation Day itself, August 15, the arboretum plans to distribute 1,000 potted Mugunghwa plants to visitors. Both the Baekdudaegan and Sejong National Arboretums will offer free admission to the public during the Liberation Day holiday weekend, from August 14 to 17, inviting citizens to appreciate the beauty and history of their national flower.