By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

Many Korean legends and myths are closely linked to nature. One of the most notable is the 'Manbyeonghwajodo' (萬病花朝圖).

As its name suggests, this unique flower is said to have the mystical ability to cure all ailments, and the legends and stories surrounding it have been passed down through the ages.

Manbyeonghwajodo is a painting that depicts the characteristic elements of the flower in a stylized manner, rather than in a realistic form.

 
Each canvas is labeled with the names of flowers, such as Hangyuoknyeo Jikgeumhwa, Hongdohwa, Dongjeonghosangbuyonghwa, Yeongjuhwa, Okdeunwha, Cheonsangbyuckdoinganwha, and Mokdanhwa, but it is not clear which flowers they refer to, except for the red peach blossom [Hongdohwa], the ibiscus mutabilis above Dongjeongho [Dongjeonghosangbuyonghwa], and the peony flower [Mokdanhwa].

The petals are symmetrically arranged in a circle around the center, and the stems and roots seem to be designed to resemble the shape of the writing.