We usually notice the change of seasons through each weather. We can also notice the change of season through the flowers at Konkuk University. What flowers can we see in each season? The reporter wrote this article based on an interview from the Safety Management Team of the KU Administrative Offices.

Spring : Season of the beginning

Cherry blossoms

Location In front of Animal Science Building, next to Art & Design Building, and so on

Contents Cherry blossoms are the national flower of Japan. It is often called “ SAKURA ” (Japanese name). In KU, Cherry blossom in front of Animal Science Building is the most famous. Many students take pictures in front of Animal Science Building when the cherry blossom tree does bloom.

Royal azaleas

Location In front of the New Millennium Hall, around the Ilgamho Lake, and so on

Contents Royal azaleas are one of the most common flowers in Korea. We can see them everywhere in KU. They look like Korean rosebay (usually used for food ingredients). However, unlike Korean rosebay, they are poisonous, so it is dangerous to eat.

Fringe tree flower

Location In front of the Law School Building

Contents They blooms at the end of the branch. Koreans think they look like white rice. Therefore, Koreans call it “ Ibap ” (boiled rice in Korea) long ago and now it is changed to “ Ipap ”. When they are dropping the petals, it looks like having snow.

Summer : Season of intensity

Rose

Location Next to KU Stadium, back side of Life Science Building, and so on

Contents Roses are one of the most famous flowers in the world. From early on, it was grown for its appearance and herb-like qualities. However, now, it is usually grown for gardening. At road from Founder’s Statue to KU Medical Center, we can see the tunnel decorated with roses.

Rosa rubinosa

Location Around the Ilgamho Lake

Contents Rosa rubinosa is used for perfume because of its aroma. Its unripe fruit looks like a cherry tomato. When it grows ripe, it looks like small pomegranate, and is used for medicinal ingredients.

Fall : Season of preparation

Chrysanthemum

Location Around the Ox Statue

Contents Chrysanthemum is one of the oldest flowers in the East. A long time ago, eastern classical scholars ( Seonbi ) thought it looked like a noble man ( Gunja ) who never yielded one’s mind because it blossoms fall alone. Near the Ox statue, there are flower garden. Among them, there is a place that landscapes the word “ KU 건국대학교 (KU Konkuk University)”. Before it blooms, it is hard to find the word, but it catches our eyes after its blossom.

Hibiscus syriacus

Location Near the Future Alternative Energy Building, in front of Life Science Building, and so on

Contents Hibiscus syriacus is the national flower of Korea. It has a strong vitality and blossoms from summer to fall. Most of it blooms during the daytime and falls at night. There are many Hibiscus syriacus in front of Life Science Building. After it blossoms, there will be Hibiscus syriacus garden.

Portulaca grandiflora

Location Near the Future Alternative Energy Building, in front of the Life Science Building, and so on

Contents Portulaca grandiflora is from South America, and it is known that it came to Korea in the 19th century. It blooms when the sun come up, and falls after the sunset. Therefore, when we see them both daytime and night, we can doubt its existence.

Winter : Season of sleep

Brassica olerascea

Location In front of Sanghuh Memorial Library, Veterinary Building, and so on

Contents Brassicia oleracea is well adapted for the cold, so it is planted in flower gardens for the winter. It looks like vegetables, specifically like a cauliflower. Actually, it is also edible too.

False spiraea

Location In front of Administration Building, Sanghuh Memorial Library, and so on

Contents False spiraea grows at the end of the branch. It mostly grows in eastern countries, including Korea, Japan, northern China, and so on. It is usually planted in parks.