Bulletin UASVM, Horticulture 65(1)/2008

pISSN 1843-5254; eISSN 1843-5394

FLORICULTURE IN KOREA: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

FOR COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH
Maria CANTOR1, Hyang Young JOUNG2, H. R. CHO2, S. K. PARK2, Erzsebet BUTA1
1

University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Horticulture,

3-5 Manastur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, marcantor@yahoo.com
2
National Horticultural Research Institute Suwon, RDA, 440-307, Republic of Korea
SUMMARY

Korea has a rich history of floricultural practices and innovations with a long tradition
of research and development, some of the notable accomplishments include the breeding and
genetic improvement of flowers. The floriculture industry in Korea has developed since the
Seoul Olympic Games in 1988 (Hyang Young Joung et al., 2003).
Flower consumption greatly differs from one country to another, depending on the
economic potential, on the mentality and life style of people, but not only on these. Regarding
the consumption of the floral production the cut flowers occupy 45% of the overall
ornamental crop production. Potted plants come next with 35%, followed by bedding flowers
8%, ornamental trees 6 %, flowering trees 4% and others flowers with 2%.The main cut
flowers are Rose, Chrysanthemum, Lilium, Carnation, Gypsophila, Gerbera, Freesia and
Gladiolus. In Korea, the most popular are cut flowers for celebration (Orchids: 53%) and for
decoration are the Potted Plants in 47%.
Most varieties planted in Korea, come from abroad except cacti. Korea importing a lot
of flowers from Netherlands, Taiwan, Thailand, China, Japan, and USA (Hyang Young Joung
et al., 2001). In the last period is a tendency for increase the export of flowers in Japan,
China, USA, Netherlands, Canada, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
This increase is due to the diversity of the assortment of flowers offered to the public.
The research concerning to improve the diversification of the flower assortment with
increased biological resistance and with high potential in productivity, is one of the main goal
of the researchers from NHRI. In the same time one will have to apply the modern breeding
techniques (genetic engineering). Colorful flowers and their adaptability to the Korean
environment are the main targets for the breeding programs. The improvement of the quality
of cut flowers for export may also be considered as a target for the breeding program in the
future.
The researchers from Floricultural Department of USAMV Cluj together with the
researchers from NHRI Suwon, Korea develop a partnership for improving and exchanges of
floral assortment and breeding technology.
REFERENCES
1.
2.

Joung, H. Y., J. Y. Kim, H. K. Shin, H. R. Cho, 2001, Breeding technology of floricultural crops, NHRI,
Suwon.
Hyang, Young Joung, at al,
2003,
Breeding of Floricultural Crops at NHRI, Korea, ISHS Acta
Horticulturae 620: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Asian Plants with Unique Horticultural
Potential.

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