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In celebration of Sikmogil (Arbor Day), we turned our attention to two of the most significant and enduring trees in Korean culture, the bamboo and pine, both of which have long held profound symbolic meaning throughout history.

The origins of Sikmogil date back to February 25, 677, when King Munmu of Silla commemorated his victory in unifying the Three Kingdoms by planting trees. Later, during the Joseon Dynasty, King Seongjong, alongside the Crown Prince and civil and military officials, personally tilled the land and held ceremonial rites at Seonnongdan, an altar outside Dongdaemun. Recognizing both its historical and agricultural significance, April 5 was designated as Sikmogil, as this period around Cheongmyeong (one of the 24 solar terms) is ideal for planting trees.

A day to reflect on our heritage and reaffirm our commitment to nature, Sikmogil is a meaningful occasion to cherish and protect our trees. With this spirit in mind, OUWR proudly presents the NAMU (Tree) series—an homage to the timeless beauty and vitality of trees, inspiring us to cultivate a greener future together.

: NAMU :

In celebration of Korea's Arbor Day, this pattern was designed with trees, one of the most representative living symbols of plants. Among them, it was inspired by bamboo and pine trees, which have been prevalent in our culture since ancient times and hold significant meanings.

Arbor Day originates from the planting of trees on February 25, 677, during the reign of King Munmu of Silla, commemorating the day when he expelled the forces of Tang and achieved the unification of the three kingdoms. It is also the day when King Seongjong of the Joseon Dynasty, along with the crown prince and civil servants, personally tilled the fields and performed ancestral rites at Seonnongdan outside Dongdaemun. As such, Arbor Day carries immense significance in national history and agricultural and forestry philosophy. April 5th was designated as Arbor Day because it is a suitable time to plant trees seasonally around the Qingming period.

Arbor Day serves as a meaningful day to reflect on our history and culture and to love and protect trees. We are introducing OUWR's new NAMU (Tree) series pattern, created with the hope of contributing to tree planting efforts and making our land greener.

P13 : DAENAMU

Sagunja refers to four symbolic plants: plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo, each embodying noble virtues in traditional Korean literati painting.

"The plum blossom defies the harsh chill of early spring, blooming first among all flowers. The orchid, nestled deep in the mountains, spreads its delicate fragrance far and wide. The chrysanthemum withstands the first frost of late autumn, blossoming with resilience. The bamboo remains evergreen even in the coldest winter, retaining its vitality when all other plants have shed their leaves. These unique qualities have long been likened to the virtues of a gunja (君子)—an individual of wisdom, integrity, and moral excellence—giving rise to the esteemed concept of Sagunja."

Damyang bamboo, designated as a Natural Monument of Korea and recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, is a living cultural treasure. Alongside the other Sagunja, bamboo has been revered for its unwavering nature, symbolizing steadfastness and integrity. Its upright growth represents the Korean ideals of honesty and righteousness, while its perennial greenery signifies resilience and continuity.

At OUWR, we reinterpreted the profound symbolism of 'DAENAMU' (bamboo) and its enduring vitality and unwavering spirit capturing its timeless beauty in a design that embodies strength, dignity, and grace.

P14 : SONAMU

The 'SONAMU' (pine tree), also appearing in the national anthem of South Korea, is an indispensable symbol of the nation. Recognized as native to the Korean Peninsula, the pine tree is considered the representative tree of South Korea.

The term 'SOL' (솔), meaning 'supreme' or 'best', signifies pine trees as the foremost among trees. Due to its cultural significance, important pine trees across the country are designated as Natural Monuments and are protected. Throughout history, the pine tree has been celebrated in numerous works, including those by renowned scholars and artists such as Yulgok Lee I, Yun Seon-do, and Chusa Kim Jeong-hee.

Despite the harshest storms and snowstorms, the pine tree remains steadfast, symbolizing integrity, resolve, and perseverance. It has long been associated with Confucian virtues such as loyalty and moral fortitude, earning deep admiration in Korean culture.

At OUWR, we seek to capture the essence of the pine tree—its strength, resilience, and timeless beauty—through our unique perspective, reflecting its noble and enduring qualities.

P13 : DANAMU

The "Four Gracious Plants" refer to plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums, and bamboo, representing nobility in literary painting.

"Plum blossoms are the first to bloom, enduring the cold of early spring. Orchids spread their delicate scent far into the mountains. Chrysanthemums bloom in late fall, enduring the first cold spell. Bamboo, known as the Four Gentlemen, maintains green leaves even in the cold winter when other plants lose theirs, symbolizing the character of a gentleman—someone with virtue and knowledge."

Damyang bamboo is designated as a natural monument of Korea and is a cultural heritage plant, also recognized as a World Important Agricultural Heritage. Alongside plum blossoms, orchids, and chrysanthemums, bamboo is considered one of the Four Gentlemen. Particularly, it symbolizes fidelity and integrity due to its evergreen nature. The vertical growth of bamboo symbolizes living honestly and uprightly in Korean culture. Additionally, by reinterpreting bamboo's meaning, which symbolizes vitality and permanence, we aim to capture its enduring beauty as it sprouts in spring and remains green throughout winter.

P14 : SONAMU

The pine tree, which is mentioned in the national anthem, is an indispensable and important tree in Korea. It represents the Republic of Korea to such an extent that its country of origin is believed to be Korea.

'Sol' in pine means 'best', indicating that the pine is the best tree among trees. Currently, heavy pine trees throughout Korea are designated as natural monuments and protected, highlighting their significance. The pine tree is a representative evergreen tree mentioned in various literature since ancient times, including works by Yulgok Lee I, Yun Seon-do, and Chusa Kim Jeong-hee. Because it resiliently withstands adversity such as rain, wind, and snowstorms, it is considered a symbol of self-discipline and determination, loved by many for its association with Confucian virtues such as loyalty and fidelity.

Through OUWR’s perspective, we aim to capture the upright, noble, and unchanging nature of pine trees.