Gyeonggi Province to Create 3 Rose of Sharon 'National Flower' Gardens This Year
Gyeonggi Province will invest a total project budget of 200 million won this year to create three Rose of Sharon gardens, making it easier for residents to encounter the national flower. Yanggok Orani Park in Gimpo City recently completed the creation of its Rose of Sharon garden, while two other sites, including in Uiwang City, will proceed with the project in the second half of the year.
At Yanggok Orani Park in Gimpo City, the project was completed in mid-May, with 323 Rose of Sharon trees planted. The created space serves as a resting area for residents as well as an educational and promotional space that raises awareness of the history and symbolism of the Rose of Sharon.
The Rose of Sharon garden project creates planting spaces so that residents can naturally encounter the national flower, the Rose of Sharon, in their surroundings such as parks and living areas.
From 2010 through last year, Gyeonggi Province invested a total of 2.4 billion won to create Rose of Sharon gardens at 43 sites across the province, including Yanggok Orani Park. Last year, Rose of Sharon gardens reflecting regional characteristics were created at Misa Hangang No. 2 Park in Hanam City and the Rural Theme Park in Yeoju City.
Various varieties of the Rose of Sharon can also be observed at the Sea Scent Arboretum and the Water Scent Arboretum, both operated by the Gyeonggi-do Forest Environment Research Institute.
At the Rose of Sharon Garden in the Sea Scent Arboretum in Ansan City, 1,870 trees of 18 native Rose of Sharon species are planted. At the Rose of Sharon Garden in the Water Scent Arboretum in Osan City, visitors can enjoy 344 trees of 58 Rose of Sharon species. The two arboretums also serve as educational spaces that raise awareness of the varieties and history of the Rose of Sharon and its symbolism as the national flower.
On September 5, the ‘17th Ansan Rose of Sharon National Flower Festival’ will be held at the Rose of Sharon Garden in Ansan City's Lake Park.
The festival will feature exhibitions of Rose of Sharon flowers, bonsai, framed specimens, and photographs, and will also hold a drawing contest and hands-on events. Participatory programs are planned so that citizens can directly experience the beauty and historical significance of the Rose of Sharon.
Lee Tae-seon, head of the Garden Industry Division of Gyeonggi Province, said, "The Rose of Sharon is the national flower that symbolizes the history and culture of the Republic of Korea," adding, "We will continue to expand the creation of Rose of Sharon gardens and local festivals so that residents can encounter the beauty and value of the Rose of Sharon in their daily lives."