Jeju Island, located at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional botanical diversity. This volcanic island’s unique position creates a distinctive oceanic climate that supports an extraordinary mixture of subtropical, temperate, boreal, and arctic-alpine flora. The island’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from coastal areas to the high-altitude slopes of Hallasan Mountain, provide habitats for numerous endemic and native flowering species.

Geographic and Climatic Context

Jeju Island’s flora is influenced by several key factors:

• Volcanic soil: Rich, well-drained basaltic soils support diverse plant communities
• Maritime climate: Mild winters and humid summers create favorable growing conditions
• Elevation gradients: From sea level to Hallasan’s 1,947-meter peak, supporting different plant zones
• Seasonal monsoons: Providing abundant moisture during growing seasons

Major Native Flowering Species

1. Camellia (Dongbaek) – Camellia japonica

Description: Perhaps the most iconic flower of Jeju Island, the camellia holds special cultural significance in Korean tradition. These evergreen shrubs produce glossy, dark green leaves and spectacular flowers.

Characteristics:

• Flowers: Large, typically red, pink, or white blooms (5-12 cm diameter)
• Blooming period: December through April
• Habitat: Coastal forests, windbreaks, and mountain slopes up to 600m elevation
• Cultural significance: Symbol of faithfulness and longevity in Korean culture

Notable locations: The Wimi Camellia Habitat is protected as a natural monument, and Camellia Hill showcases over 6,000 camellia trees representing various cultivars.

2. Korean Azalea (Royal Azalea) – Rhododendron schlippenbachii

Description: Known locally as “cheolcheok” or “jindallae,” this deciduous azalea is one of Korea’s most beloved spring flowers.

Characteristics:

• Flowers: Pale pink to white, funnel-shaped blooms appearing before leaves
• Blooming period: April to May
• Habitat: Mountain slopes, particularly on Hallasan’s mid-elevations (500-1,500m)
• Leaves: Distinctive five-lobed arrangement, turning brilliant orange-red in autumn

Ecological importance: Provides early nectar sources for pollinators and creates spectacular spring displays on mountain slopes.

3. Jeju Native Lily Species

Korean Lily – Lilium amabile

Characteristics:

• Flowers: Orange-red with dark spots, recurved petals
• Blooming period: June to July
• Habitat: Grasslands and forest edges

Trumpet Lily – Lilium longiflorum

Characteristics:

• Flowers: Pure white, trumpet-shaped, highly fragrant
• Blooming period: July to August
• Habitat: Coastal areas and lower mountain slopes

4. Korean Bellflower – Campanula takesimana

Description: A endemic Korean species with distinctive large, bell-shaped flowers.

Characteristics:

• Flowers: White to pale pink with purple markings inside
• Blooming period: June to August
• Habitat: Rocky slopes and forest clearings
• Height: 30-60 cm tall

5. Jeju Violet – Viola rossii

Description: A native violet species adapted to Jeju’s climate conditions.

Characteristics:

• Flowers: Purple to blue-violet, small but numerous
• Blooming period: March to May
• Habitat: Forest floors and shaded rocky areas
• Adaptations: Heart-shaped leaves and spreading growth habit

6. Korean Chrysanthemum – Chrysanthemum zawadskii

Description: A wild chrysanthemum native to Korea and Jeju Island.

Characteristics:

• Flowers: White to pale yellow daisy-like blooms
• Blooming period: September to November
• Habitat: Mountain meadows and grasslands
• Cultural use: Traditional medicinal applications

7. Jeju Orchid Species

Korean Ground Orchid – Bletilla striata

Characteristics:

• Flowers: Purple-pink, with pleated leaves
• Blooming period: May to June
• Habitat: Humid forest floors and rocky crevices

Spotted Orchid – Dactylorhiza aristata

Characteristics:

• Flowers: Pink to purple with spotted patterns
• Blooming period: June to July
• Habitat: Wet meadows and marshy areas

8. Korean Forsythia – Forsythia koreana

Description: An early spring bloomer that signals the end of winter.

Characteristics:

• Flowers: Bright yellow, four-petaled, appearing before leaves
• Blooming period: March to April
• Habitat: Mountain slopes and forest edges
• Growth: Deciduous shrub, 1-3 meters tall

9. Jeju Cherry Species

Korean Mountain Cherry – Prunus sargentii

Characteristics:

• Flowers: Pink, five-petaled, in clusters
• Blooming period: April to May
• Habitat: Mountain forests and slopes
• Notable feature: Early autumn color

10. Wild Roses of Jeju

Rosa multiflora (Multiflora Rose)

Characteristics:

• Flowers: Small white clusters, highly fragrant
• Blooming period: May to June
• Habitat: Forest edges and disturbed soils
• Fruit: Small red hips valuable for wildlife

Seasonal Flowering Calendar

Spring (March – May)

• Early Spring: Camellias reach peak bloom, forsythia begins
• Mid-Spring: Azaleas spectacular, cherry blossoms, violets
• Late Spring: Wild roses, early lilies, bellflowers begin

Summer (June – August)

• Early Summer: Lilies at peak, bellflowers, orchids
• Mid-Summer: Continued lily blooms, summer wildflowers
• Late Summer: Late-blooming orchids, early chrysanthemums

Autumn (September – November)

• Early Autumn: Chrysanthemums peak, asters, late wildflowers
• Late Autumn: Final blooms before winter dormancy

Winter (December – February)

• Winter Blooms: Camellias continue, particularly striking against snow

Ecological Importance and Conservation

Pollinator Relationships

Jeju’s native flowers support diverse pollinator communities including:

• Native bees and wasps
• Butterflies and moths
• Hoverflies and beetles
• Some specialized bird pollinators

Conservation Challenges

• Habitat loss: Tourism development and urbanization
• Invasive species: Competition from non-native plants
• Climate change: Shifting temperature and precipitation patterns
• Over-collection: Pressure on rare species for horticultural trade

Protected Areas

• Hallasan National Park: Protects high-altitude flora
• Biosphere Reserve: UNESCO designation ensuring conservation
• Natural Monuments: Specific sites like Wimi Camellia Habitat

Cultural and Traditional Uses

Medicinal Applications

Many native flowers have traditional medicinal uses:

• Camellia: Seeds for oil production, leaves for tea
• Chrysanthemum: Dried flowers for teas and traditional medicine
• Violets: Traditional remedies for respiratory conditions
• Bellflowers: Root used in traditional Korean medicine

Cultural Symbolism

• Camellia: Represents faithfulness and longevity
• Azalea: Symbol of passion and temperance
• Chrysanthemum: Associated with autumn and longevity

Best Viewing Locations

Specialized Gardens

1. Camellia Hill: Over 6,000 camellia trees, year-round beauty
2. Hueree Natural Life Park: Diverse native plant collections
3. Jeju Stone Park: Native plants in natural stone settings

Natural Habitats

1. Hallasan National Park: High-altitude specialties, azaleas
2. Bijarim Forest: Ancient nutmeg trees and understory flowers
3. Coastal areas: Salt-tolerant species and maritime adaptations

Seasonal Hotspots

• Spring: Hallasan slopes for azaleas, lower elevations for cherry blossoms
• Summer: Mountain meadows for lilies and bellflowers
• Autumn: Grasslands for chrysanthemums and asters
• Winter: Protected camellia groves

Photography and Observation Tips

Best Times

• Golden hours: Early morning and late afternoon lighting
• After rain: Enhanced colors and dewdrops
• Seasonal peaks: Time visits for specific species

Equipment Recommendations

• Macro lens: For detailed flower photography
• Wide-angle: For landscape shots with flower displays
• Tripod: Essential for low-light conditions

Ethical Guidelines

• Leave no trace: Don’t disturb natural habitats
• No picking: Preserve flowers for others and ecosystem health
• Stay on trails: Protect fragile plant communities
• Respect private property: Many gardens have specific rules

Jeju Island’s native flowers represent a remarkable botanical heritage shaped by unique geographic and climatic conditions. From the winter-blooming camellias that have become cultural icons to the spectacular spring azalea displays on Hallasan’s slopes, these flowers offer year-round beauty and ecological importance. Conservation of these species requires continued protection of their habitats and responsible tourism practices.

The island’s floral diversity makes it a premier destination for botanists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. By understanding the seasonal patterns, ecological relationships, and cultural significance of these native flowers, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for Jeju’s natural heritage while contributing to its preservation.

Whether you’re planning a specific flower-focused visit or simply want to enhance your general exploration of Jeju Island, this guide provides the foundation for discovering and appreciating the remarkable native flowers that make this volcanic island a true botanical treasure.

https://www.hk-florist.org