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1. Understanding Flower Symbolism in Korea

In Korean culture, flowers are not only admired for their beauty but also valued for their symbolism. The act of giving flowers conveys thoughtfulness and emotional depth. Each flower carries distinct meanings, rooted in both Korean traditions and broader East Asian symbolism.

It is important to consider the occasion, the relationship between giver and receiver, and even the flower color and number of stems. Sending an inappropriate type of flower can unintentionally send the wrong message, so careful selection demonstrates cultural sensitivity and respect.

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2. Flowers for Different Occasions

2.1. Graduation, Achievement, and Milestones

Carnations (카네이션 / ka-ne-i-syeon)

• Meaning: Gratitude, respect, admiration.
• Cultural context: Especially popular for Parents’ Day (어버이날) and Teacher’s Day (스승의 날). Students often present red or pink carnations to parents and teachers as expressions of gratitude.
• Colors:
  • Red: Love and respect.
  • Pink: Gratitude and affection.
  • White: Often associated with remembrance (avoid for happy occasions).

Sunflowers (해바라기 / hae-ba-ra-gi)

• Meaning: Faith, loyalty, and ambition.
• Use: Commonly given to students graduating or entering a new school, job, or business venture.
• Cultural note: The sunflower’s tendency to face the sun is often associated with optimism and steadfastness in Korean sayings.

Camellias (동백꽃 / dong-baek-kkot)

• Meaning: Perseverance, faithfulness, and admiration.
• Use: Symbolizes enduring commitment, making it suitable for acknowledging hard work or long-term dedication.
• Cultural note: The camellia blooms even in winter, symbolizing resilience in Korean folklore.

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2.2. Romantic Occasions

Red Roses (장미 / jang-mi)

• Meaning: Deep love and passion.
• Cultural note: The most traditional symbol of romance, used on Valentine’s Day, White Day, and anniversaries. Odd numbers (11, 13, 15) are preferred for their aesthetic balance.

Pink Roses

• Meaning: Affection, tenderness, admiration.
• Use: Ideal for new relationships or to express gentler affection.

Tulips (튤립 / tyul-lip)

• Meaning: Sincere love, confession, and elegance.
• Color meanings:
  • Red: Declaration of love.
  • Yellow: Cheerfulness and friendship.
  • White: Apology or pure intentions.

Peonies (모란 / mo-ran)

• Meaning: Prosperity, romance, and honor.
• Use: Symbol of wealth and beauty, often chosen for weddings or romantic gestures.
• Cultural note: In traditional Korean art, peonies represent nobility and good fortune in marriage.

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2.3. Birthdays and Celebrations

Lilies (백합 / baek-hap)

• Meaning: Purity, renewal, and elegance.
• Use: Commonly sent for birthdays or as general congratulations.
• Cultural note: White lilies are especially admired for their refined beauty.

Orchids (난초 / nan-cho)

• Meaning: Nobility, integrity, and success.
• Use: A highly regarded gift for business openings, promotions, or milestone birthdays.
• Cultural note: Orchids symbolize a person of virtue and high moral character in Confucian philosophy.

Gerberas (거베라 / geo-be-ra)

• Meaning: Cheerfulness, optimism, and gratitude.
• Use: A modern, vibrant flower choice often gifted among friends.
• Tip: Bright-colored gerberas are particularly popular among younger Koreans for casual celebrations.

Hydrangeas (수국 / su-guk)

• Meaning: Gratitude and understanding.
• Use: A sophisticated choice for birthdays, housewarmings, or to express appreciation in friendships and partnerships.
• Cultural note: Though hydrangeas symbolize vanity in some Western contexts, in Korea they are viewed positively when expressing sincerity.

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2.4. Business and Professional Occasions

Orchids (난초 / nan-cho)

• Meaning: Success, respect, and refinement.
• Use: Frequently presented as potted plants at office openings (개업 / gae-eop).
• Cultural note: The orchid’s elegance and longevity make it a lasting token of goodwill.

Peace Lily (스파티필럼 / seu-pa-ti-pil-leom)

• Meaning: Peace, harmony, and balance.
• Use: Ideal for corporate gifts or housewarmings.

Bamboo Arrangement (대나무 / dae-na-mu)

• Meaning: Integrity, resilience, and good fortune.
• Use: Sometimes included in business-related floral gifts or plants.
• Cultural note: Bamboo represents the Confucian ideal of uprightness — a subtle but meaningful gesture for respected professionals.

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2.5. Condolences and Funerals

White Chrysanthemums (국화 / guk-hwa)

• Meaning: Mourning, remembrance, and respect.
• Use: The traditional Korean funeral flower.
• Caution: Should never be used for happy or romantic occasions.

White Lilies

• Meaning: Peace for the departed, purity, and hope.
• Use: Often used in condolence wreaths or simple arrangements.

Lotus (연꽃 / yeon-kkot)

• Meaning: Spiritual enlightenment and rebirth.
• Use: Associated with Buddhist ceremonies and memorials.
• Cultural note: The lotus, rising unstained from muddy water, symbolizes purity of spirit and transcendence.

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3. Etiquette and Presentation Guidelines

Situation	Recommended Colors	Avoid
Weddings	White, pastel pink, ivory	Bright red (can symbolize competition or excess emotion)
Funerals	White or cream	Any bright or mixed colors
Romantic gifts	Red, pink, or white	Yellow (can symbolize parting or jealousy in older traditions)
Business gifts	White or purple orchids, bamboo	Overly romantic flowers like red roses

• Include a handwritten note: In Korean culture, a sincere personal message is often valued as much as the gift itself.
• Presentation matters: Bouquets should be wrapped neatly, with harmonious color coordination. Professional florists often use ribbons in gold, ivory, or muted tones for elegant finishes.
• Timing: Deliver flowers on the day of the occasion whenever possible. For major events like openings or graduations, morning delivery is ideal.
• Formality: In formal or business contexts, use both hands to present the bouquet as a sign of respect.

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4. Best Flowers by Message

Message	Flower	Korean Name	Meaning
Love and passion	Red Rose	장미	Romantic devotion
Gratitude	Pink Carnation	카네이션	Appreciation and respect
Congratulations	Sunflower	해바라기	Success and loyalty
Perseverance	Camellia	동백꽃	Enduring faithfulness
Prosperity and honor	Peony	모란	Wealth and beauty
Respect and refinement	Orchid	난초	Dignity and virtue
Sympathy	White Chrysanthemum	국화	Mourning and remembrance
Harmony	Peace Lily	스파티필럼	Peace and goodwill
Enlightenment	Lotus	연꽃	Purity and spiritual rebirth

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