Jeonbuk Life 2018-1 Spring

Feature Story
As in all battles, the spoils of war can leave bitter
memories, and unfortunately the cherry blossom
trees of South Korea carry with it a painful past. For
Koreans who remember those tragic days of Japanese
colonial rule, they are seen as a symbol of occupation,
and the sovereign trees are only reminders of a
lingering emotional burden, too devastating to
forget. In accordance with horticultural experts
and historical documentation, cherry trees were
planted by the Japanese during World War atrocities.
Some of the more famous landmarks, such as at
Changgyeong Palace (창경궁) in Seoul, were planted
during this conflicting era. But while many of the
trees were cut down after the Japanese surrendered,
Koreans continued to cultivate them. However, on
a promising note, there is an ongoing debate that
lingers regarding the cherry tree’s provenance, and
South Korea wants the world to know that it is
the birthplace of cherry blossom trees. In fact, the
Korea Forest Research Institute has accumulated
studies from both sides and found that the evidence
supporting a Korean origin, specifically the King
Cherry, may be indigenous to Jeju Island.
Photo by Jeon Han, <https://www.flickr.com/photos/42438955@N05/8661681359/>, CC-BY-SA-2.0.
While truly all is not fair in love and war, the romantic
conquest of South Korea’s cherry blossom trees
capture the hearts of both Koreans and foreigners
every spring season. Their debatable origins and
haunting past is surpassed by the exotic ornamental
flowers, making what was once a war-torn setting,
into a valuable, monumental landscape. They are
fast growing, attract birds and other wildlife, and
return every year without fail for enthusiastic
spectators, some of whom travel from distant lands
to observe their beauty. It’s easy to interpret the
blossoms annual rejuvenation and beauty as a
promise of hope for the future, to a country that still
suffers from the bygone years of an unjust war. Their
presence, on the modern backdrop of South Korea,
is an asset, irrespective of the master planter. And,
that is no more evident than during the unifying
celebrations and frolicking festivals throughout the
country. Korean and foreigner stroll side-by-side,
along the cherry blossom roads, tunnels, lake banks,
and skillfully designed parks, mingling and enjoying
Mother Nature’s most divine creation.