The value of orchids in Korean culture and the Korean flower industry

Abstract

Traditional Korean floral art started with the history of humanity and, in its early development, was related to religious rituals. It has a unique style distinguishing it from western, Chinese, and Japanese styles. Western flower arrangements use massive amounts of flowers and emphasize natural plant materials, naturalness, and rich colours and various textures for decorative effects. The most distinctive feature of Korean floral arrangements, as in Korean culture, is the utmost esteem for the affinity to nature. Korean floral art is characterized by meticulous material selection, emphasis on harmony between flower arrangements and nature, beauty of lines, principle of spiritual Yin and Yang, principle of the number three, symbolism, and creation of a refined mood. Flowers, as seen in literature, folk customs, art, gardens, tales, and anecdotes, symbolize the aesthetic sense of Korean culture. Oriental orchids, one of "The Four Gracious Plants (sic)" along with plum, chrysanthemum, and bamboo, hold great importance and are historically among the most highly regarded flowers in Korean culture. Therefore, they have frequently been the subject of literature and art, including poems and traditional paintings. Nowadays, more than 70% of Koreans live in dense, high-rise apartments, decorated mostly with cement and synthetic materials to create small, claustrophobic, and very dry spaces. One strategy to improve this living environment is the use of plants; urban horticulture emphasizes the utilization of diverse horticultural, and especially floral, plants for a wide variety of activities across broad fields. Following the world economic crisis, the cultivation area and production value of orchids in Korea has decreased; however, orchids still account for the greatest portion of the potted plant market. "The Improper Solicitation and Graft Act" (also translated as the "Anti-Corruption and Bribery Prohibition Act"), passed in 2015 and enforced from September 28, 2016, inhibits flower gifting to any person in connection with one's duty. Korean flower farmers currently face financial pressure from imports; this law has already rendered some flower producers financially unviable. Here, we discuss the importance of orchids and flowers in Korean culture, along with the changing flower industry (especially concerning orchids) owing to the recent enforcement of an unwelcome law.