Mugunghwa Arboretum

Located in Hongcheon, Mugunghwa Arboretum is the nation's first arboretum themed around the rose of Sharon. It was first opened in 2017 as a space to preserve the rose of Sharon, Korea's national flower, and to honor the achievements of independence activist Hanseo Namgung Eok (1863–1939), who cherished the flower throughout his life. The arboretum features 16 themed gardens, including a rose of Sharon sculpture, a rose of Sharon maze garden, an eulalia (silver grass) garden, and a pear tree garden, along with the Mugung Nurigil forest walking path and a children's playground, offering a variety of attractions for visitors. The hiking trail 'Healing Forest Trail,' which continues from Mugunghwa Arboretum, is also considered a hidden gem offering a panoramic view of Garisan Mountain. A guided interpretation program is available where visitors can hear interesting stories about the rose of Sharon, and hands-on programs such as rose of Sharon cutting propagation and making rose of Sharon keychains are also well-prepared.