Boksucho Blooms Signal Spring’s Arrival at Sobaeksan National Park

A harbinger of spring has emerged at the base of Sobaeksan Mountain, even as traces of winter linger. The Sobaeksan National Park Office of the National Park Service announced on February 20, 2026, that the wildflower Boksucho (Adonis amurensis) has recently begun to bloom in the Sobaeksan area.

The First Flower of Spring

Adonis amurensis is the first wildflower to announce spring on Sobaek Mountain, displaying yellow buds emerging from the ground where ice has not yet fully melted. It is similarly known as the “ice bird flower” or “snow bird flower” due to its resilience, allowing it to bloom even through snow, and ice.

Unique Characteristics of Boksucho

This flower, symbolizing good luck and longevity, exhibits a unique behavior: it opens its golden petals wide when exposed to sunlight and closes them when it is cloudy or as the sun sets. Despite its small size, its vivid color captures the attention of visitors.

Where to Find Boksucho in Sobaeksan

Currently, Boksucho can be observed in sunny locations within the three districts of Sobaeksan Mountain. The flowering of Boksucho signals the broader change of seasons at the mountain’s base.

Anticipated Bloom of Other Spring Wildflowers

With Boksucho as a precursor, various other spring wildflowers are expected to bloom successively on Sobaeksan Mountain. The park office anticipates that wildflowers representing spring, such as pheasant’s windflower, beech’s windflower, hepatica, and corydalis, will bloom from mid-March.

A Delicate Landscape

Sobaeksan Mountain will be adorned with wildflowers that quietly bloom in lower areas, rather than vibrant, showy displays. The sight of these small flowers decorating the forest floor is considered a unique attraction of spring hiking on Sobaeksan Mountain. However, these spring wildflowers are delicate and easily damaged, requiring careful attention from visitors.

Protecting Sobaeksan’s Flora

Kim Hye-kyung, head of the Resource Conservation Department, emphasized that spring wildflowers are small and easily overlooked, urging visitors to exercise caution to avoid damaging them. “When viewing wildflowers, please be especially careful not to damage them,” she stated.

The blooming of Boksucho quietly announces the end of the long winter on Sobaeksan Mountain.