The Language of Flowers

Unpacking the meaning behind K-drama blooms

I stopped by an outdoor market this week and bought myself flowers—specifically, dahlias. Dahlias come in a beautiful variety of shapes, from small, round blooms to larger, more open ones, each one more striking than the last. The full, perfectly round blooms I bought remind me of vibrant pom-poms, with layers of petals so dense and lush that they practically beg to be squished (which I couldn’t resist doing—gently, of course—I’m not a monster).

What I find most captivating about dahlias is how their colours seem to play tricks on the eye. Some petals start as soft pastels at the edges and grow bolder toward the centre, while others do the opposite, deepening at the edges and fading as they move inward. It’s as if each bloom is its own little masterpiece, constantly changing depending on how you look at it, adding to their almost magical appeal.

Dahlias are often associated with grace, elegance, inner strength, and creativity. Blooming late in the summer and into fall, they naturally evoke themes of transition and renewal. The intricate arrangement of dahlia petals mirrors the complexity of human experiences and relationships, with each bloom representing lasting bonds and celebrating the richness of connections. Dahlias also remind us of the resilience needed to navigate life’s transitions. With their vibrant colours and abundant petals, they inspire joy, serving as a reminder that, like life, there is grace in both presence and change.

Buying, Giving, Getting

Who doesn’t love buying or receiving flowers? When we give flowers, we often send their meanings along with them, whether consciously or unconsciously. Many memorable K-dramas have used the symbolism of flowers to add depth and significance to key scenes. With their rich cultural meanings, flowers often speak louder than words, conveying emotions or concepts that characters might not say outright.

One touching moment can be found in Crash Landing on You, Episode 16. After Captain Ri Jeong Hyeok is forced to leave Seoul, he sends Yoon Se-ri a flower pot with a mysterious bloom that she must nurture. His instructions are precise: “It may be sensitive and fussy, but if you do as you’re told, it’ll sprout after two weeks. You need to water it, but since it’s sensitive to humidity, don’t give it too much. Give it a moderate amount of water. It needs sunlight as well. But don’t put it under the sun for too long. Keep it under the sun for a moderate amount of time. And lastly, this is the most important part when growing plants. You probably know well. Say ten nice things to it every day.” The flower is an Edelweiss, which symbolizes precious memories—a fitting metaphor for the bond that keeps them connected across the distance. It also hints at where their paths might cross again.

In My Demon Episode 13, Jeong Gu-won demonstrates his affection for Do Do-hee by presenting her with an overflowing bouquet. He explains, “I brought all the happiness in the world to you. This flower here symbolizes happiness. This one symbolizes eternal happiness. This one means happiness that is meant to be. Happiness that’s been lost and found. And this one…, ” before she interrupts him with a kiss. This thoughtful gesture highlights how flowers can help convey profound feelings in relationships.

On the flip side, See You in My 19th Life offers a humorous twist on floral meanings. In Episode 2, Yoon Cho-won uses roses to respond to Lee Ji-soek’s question about what she thinks of him. Her reply? “Guess what these flowers are called.” As she turns the vase toward him, the label ‘Never-in-a-million-years rose’ comes into view. It’s a playful yet pointed way to reject his advances.

Thirty-Nine also uses floral symbolism in Episode 1 when a tipsy Cha Mi-jo buys peonies for Kim Seon-u, saying, “They’ll be in full bloom by tomorrow. They have a killer scent.” Later, after spending the night together, she remarks, “Peonies symbolize shyness. It really doesn’t suit what happened last night.” In Korean culture, peonies are linked to modesty and grace, their delicate blooms a contrast to the night’s events.

In Castaway Diva, Episode 1, while preparing to shoot a music video, Seo Mok-ha places flowers in her hair and confidently claims, “These flowers are Ran-jo’s favorite. They’re called daffodils, okay? And they symbolize nobility.” To which Jung Ki-ho replies, “Those are potato flowers. Daffodils don't blossom in groups like that. They’re noble and blossom one by one.” This humorous exchange not only helps Mok-ha learn to identify potato flowers—vital for her survival on the island—but also highlights how the daffodils symbolize the nobility that Ran-jo once had and needs to rediscover, along with her sense of self-worth.

A more unusual bloom appears in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Episode 6, when Yoon Hye-jin receives a Fortune Plant from her father. “It’s said that the greatest luck in life finds its way to the person who sees it,” he tells her. This plant, which only blooms once every seven years, carries a significance beyond good fortune—it allows him to express his love and care in a quiet, unspoken way.

Whether it’s a rare bloom gifted with quiet affection or a vibrant bouquet chosen for its symbolic meaning, flowers in K-dramas often carry messages that go beyond their beauty. They represent emotions, memories, and connections that words sometimes fail to capture. Just like in real life, the right flower can convey love, hope, or even loss—reminding us that the language of flowers is as meaningful as the relationships we hold dear.

What is your favourite flower?