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