Korea’s wild herbs and flowers
Strictly speaking, “wild herb” refers to an entire plant, while “wildflower” means just the bloom. In Korean culture, however, we often use both terms interchangeably because most wild herbs have their own wildflowers.
Summer in Korea turns green, and every corner becomes splendidly verdant. Trees, bushes and grasses grow thick and full. If you look more closely, however, you will also find tiny wildflowers quietly blooming. Usually they are so small that we often miss them as we pass by. But a recent walk helped me see them in a new light.
One warm, humid afternoon in a neighborhood park, I noticed delicate blooms rising above the grass. They looked like small chrysanthemums, so I snapped a photo and ran it through a plant-identification app. To my surprise, they were the flowers of goddeulbbaegi, a wild herb now farmed for premium kimchi. I have eaten it for years without ever stopping to really see it, and that discovery left me slightly embarrassed.
That moment made me rethink wild herbs and wildflowers. Some may not look impressive at first glance, yet they are incredibly important. They support local insects and birds, protect the soil and help keep ecosystems healthy.
They grow everywhere, from open fields to hills to cracks in city sidewalks. Recent local studies estimate there are about 5,000 species of wild herbs in Korea. Many of them are native and cannot be found elsewhere.
They are also part of Korea’s cultural history. Our ancestors used them as food or medicine and passed down knowledge about their uses. Old paintings, poems and remedies often feature these plants. Dandelions, violets, wild chrysanthemums and bellflowers are among the most familiar species.
Plant identification apps and online guides make it easier than ever to learn about what you find. A quick photo can reveal a plant’s name, its role in the ecosystem and even its traditional uses. This season is especially rewarding for spotting and learning these plants. Every hillside or vacant lot can feel like a botanical treasure hunt.
I encourage you to take a walk outdoors. Look carefully at the ground or near a hedge — you might spot a wildflower blooming quietly. Use your phone to discover its name and details. But above all, enjoy its quiet beauty. Be sure to keep in mind that learning to notice these small gifts from nature is the first step in protecting them.
Despite their value, wildflowers often don’t get much attention. Korea hosts many flower festivals nationally, celebrating cherry blossoms, roses and sunflowers. These are beautiful events, but they rarely include our unique wild species.
Our wildflower festivals are still few and far between. Wouldn’t it be meaningful to have more national festivals that focus on Korea’s wild plants, reveling in beauty, tradition and nature as well as usefulness?
Maybe, one day soon, we will have big national events that represent our wildflowers and herbs. Our curiosity and attention to it are needed.
Sho Chang-young is a retired high school teacher and former principal of Gunsan Girls' High School.