Chapter 1
The sacred forest of pine and wild mugwort
Chapter 2
The scholar's garden of quiet elegance
Chapter 3
Rituals of purification and temple incense
Chapter 4
The courtly scent pouch of the Joseon dynasty
Ch 2 · The scholar's garden of quiet elegance
elorea The late-winter maehwa blooms in snow, releasing an icy-sweet fragrance that inspired Joseon dynasty seonbi to write poetry.
Quiz
In traditional Korean art, the plum blossom is part of a group of four plants known by what collective name?
Quiz
Where do wild Korean orchids traditionally grow, inspiring their association with modesty?
Fun Fact
Scholarly painting: Joseon scholars blended real orchid petals into their water bowls when mixing ink, hoping to paint the orchid's physical form and capture its actual fragrance.
Quiz
In traditional Korean beliefs, drinking chrysanthemum tea in autumn was thought to benefit which part of the body?
Glossary
nancho (noun)
The Korean term for an orchid, a flowering plant known for its diverse and fragrant blooms. Joseon Dynasty intellectuals grew these wild orchids in their private gardens to symbolize moral integrity and restraint.
The Korean term for an orchid, a flowering plant known for its diverse and fragrant blooms. Joseon Dynasty intellectuals grew these wild orchids in their private gardens to symbolize moral integrity and restraint.
elorea Daenamu Green Bamboo
Hollow and strong, hollow and strong, Bending in the wind but we still hold on.
Quiz
Which Korean county is world-famous for its massive, lush bamboo forests and annual bamboo festival?
Quiz
What symbolic meaning does the hollow interior of a bamboo stem hold in Korean philosophy?