Korean flower arrangement art represents a unique cultural tradition that has evolved over centuries. Beyond mere decoration, Korean flower arrangement embodies deep respect for nature and philosophical meaning, serving as a means of spiritual cultivation and artistic expression.

Historical Background

Three Kingdoms Period and Buddhist Influence

Korean flower arrangement was introduced during the Three Kingdoms Period (57 BCE – 668 CE) along with Buddhism. Gonghwa (供花), flower offerings to Buddha in Buddhist temples, marked the beginning of Korean flower arrangement.

Key Characteristics:

• Strong religious significance
• Symmetrical and formal arrangements
• Lotus flowers regarded as the most sacred

Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392)

During the Goryeo Dynasty, when Buddhism was the state religion, flower arrangement art flourished. During this period, Byeonghwa (甁花), or vase arrangements, developed.

Main Flowers Used:

• Lotus (蓮花, yeonhwa): Purity and enlightenment
• Peony (牡丹, moran): Wealth and honor
• Plum Blossom (梅花, maehwa): Nobility and perseverance
• Chrysanthemum (菊花, gukhwa): Longevity and integrity

Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910)

The Joseon Dynasty was the golden age of Korean flower arrangement. During this period, when Confucian thought was dominant, Muninhwahoe (文人花卉) (literati flower arrangement) and Seonbihwa (選卑花) (scholar’s flowers) developed.

Principles of Joseon Dynasty Flower Arrangement:

1. Pursuit of Natural Beauty: Minimize artificial processing and emphasize natural beauty
2. Beauty of Asymmetry: Preference for natural imbalance over perfect symmetry
3. Restraint and Empty Space: Express deep meaning with fewer flowers rather than abundance
4. Emphasis on Seasonality: Use flowers and branches appropriate to the season

Preferred Flowers and Their Meanings in the Joseon Dynasty:

• Plum Blossom (梅花): One of the Four Gracious Plants, noble spirit enduring cold winter
• Orchid (蘭草, nancho): Subtle fragrance and elegance, virtue of the noble person
• Chrysanthemum (菊花): Autumn sentiment, reclusion and integrity
• Bamboo (竹, dae): Upright integrity and strength
• Pine (松, sonamu): Unchanging fidelity
• Camellia (冬柏, dongbaek): Winter beauty
• Azalea (진달래): Herald of spring
• Magnolia (木蓮, mongnyeon): Nobility and purity

Unique Characteristics of Korean Flower Arrangement

Philosophical Foundation

Korean flower arrangement is based on three major philosophies:

1. Heaven-Earth-Human Philosophy (天地人):
   • Highest element symbolizing heaven
   • Lowest element symbolizing earth
   • Middle element symbolizing humanity
   • Harmony of these three elements achieves perfection
2. Yin-Yang and Five Elements (陰陽五行):
   • Harmony of yin and yang
   • Balance of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water)
3. Naturalism:
   • Respect for the natural growth direction of flowers
   • Minimal artificial manipulation
   • Reflection of seasonal cycles

Form and Structure

Basic Structure:

• Juji (主枝): The main, most important branch or flower
• Gaekji (客枝): Supporting branch that complements the main branch
• Saji (使枝): Auxiliary branches for overall harmony

Arrangement Principles:

• Preference for odd numbers (3, 5, 7)
• Asymmetrical but balanced composition
• Emphasis on the beauty of empty space
• Adjustment of height and angle according to season

Seasonal Flowers

Spring

• Plum Blossom: Early spring, new beginnings
• Azalea: Symbol of spring coloring mountains and fields
• Magnolia: Pure white beauty
• Forsythia: Yellow herald of spring
• Cherry Blossom: Fleeting beauty
• Rhododendron: Splendid spring atmosphere
• Peony: Symbol of wealth and prosperity

Summer

• Lotus: Purity and enlightenment
• Iris: Symbol of Dano Festival (Korean holiday)
• Lily: Purity and elegance
• Hydrangea: Summer freshness
• Dianthus: Simple beauty
• Cockscomb: Passion
• Garden Balsam: Summer night memories

Autumn

• Chrysanthemum: Representative of autumn, longevity and integrity
• Cosmos: Romance of autumn fields
• Bellflower: Simple sentiment
• Rose of Sharon: Korea’s national flower
• Silver Grass: Graceful autumn breeze
• Autumn Leaves: Seasonal change

Winter

• Camellia: Red beauty in the snow
• Narcissus: Winter fragrance
• Winter Sweet: Fragrance conquering the cold
• Pine Branches: Unchanging integrity
• Bamboo: Greenness in the snow
• Rohdea: Eternal vitality

Modern Korean Flower Arrangement

Succession and Evolution of Tradition

Since the 20th century, Korean flower arrangement has maintained tradition while embracing modern sensibilities.

Major Developments:

1. Establishment of Educational Institutions:
   • Opening of specialized flower arrangement schools and courses
   • Inclusion in university curricula
   • International exchange programs
2. Diversification of Styles:
   • Traditional Vase Arrangement (Byeonghwa): Maintaining classical methods
   • Modern Free Style: Creative and experimental approaches
   • Fusion Style: Harmony of Eastern and Western techniques
3. Use of New Materials:
   • Combination of imported and traditional flowers
   • Dried flowers and preserved flowers
   • Modern vessels and materials

Popular Flowers in Modern Korean Flower Arrangement

For Weddings and Events:

• Rose
• Lily
• Tulip
• Carnation
• Baby’s Breath

For Daily Life and Interior Design:

• Tulip
• Cotton
• Eucalyptus
• Ranunculus
• Scabiosa

For Traditional Events and Seasonal Occasions:

• Still using traditional flowers
• Preference for native plants appropriate to the season
• Emphasis on meaning and symbolism

Contemporary Trends in Korean Flower Arrangement

1. Minimalism:
   • Beauty of simplicity and restraint
   • Strong impression with one or two types of flowers
   • Harmony with modern architecture and interiors
2. Naturalistic Style:
   • Rediscovery of wildflowers and field grasses
   • Natural authenticity
   • Pursuit of sustainability
3. Contemporary Art:
   • Flower arrangement as installation art
   • Interaction with space
   • Conceptual and experimental approaches
4. Social Media Influence:
   • Spread through Instagram and Pinterest
   • Preference for photogenic styles
   • Popularity of distinctive small bouquets

Flowers for Special Occasions

Traditional Ceremonies

Ancestral Rites (Jesa):

• White chrysanthemums
• White lilies
• Green plants
• What to avoid: Red flowers, strongly scented flowers

Weddings:

• Peony (wealth)
• Lily (purity)
• Orchid (elegance)
• Rose (love)

Birthdays and Celebrations:

• Chrysanthemum (longevity)
• Peony (happiness)
• Sunflower (positivity)
• Gerbera (cheerfulness)

Meanings of Gift Flowers

• Red Rose: Passionate love
• Yellow Rose: Friendship
• Pink Rose: Gratitude and respect
• Lily: Pure heart
• Carnation: Love for mother (Parents’ Day)
• Tulip: New beginnings
• Chrysanthemum: Truth and loyalty (white chrysanthemums for funerals)

Learning Korean Flower Arrangement

Basic Principles

1. Observation: Observe the natural appearance of flowers
2. Seasonality: Choose materials appropriate to the season
3. Balance: Visual balance and harmony
4. Empty Space: Importance of void space
5. Meaning: Symbolism contained in each element

Required Tools

• Vases (Hwagi): Flower vases, shallow bowls, baskets
• Scissors (Gaemdo): Flower scissors, pruning shears
• Kenzan (Geomsan): Pin holder for securing flowers
• Water: Clean water
• Auxiliary Tools: Knife, wire, tape

Basic Techniques

1. Cutting: Cut at a 45-degree angle
2. Water Absorption: Immediately immerse cut surface in water
3. Fixing: Use kenzan or floral foam
4. Arranging: Arrange according to the Heaven-Earth-Human principle

Korean flower arrangement is not merely an arrangement of flowers, but an art form that embodies the harmony between nature and humanity, the cycles of seasons, and the philosophy of life. While preserving traditional values and embracing modern sensibilities, Korean flower arrangement continues to evolve and is recognized worldwide for its unique beauty.

The spirit of modern Korean flower arrangement lies in understanding and respecting tradition while adding one’s own sensibility to create new beauty.

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Recommended Resources:

• Korean Flower Art Association
• Traditional temple flower offering exhibitions
• Palace gardens and flower culture
• Traditional flower arrangement exhibitions at folk museums