Magnolia was called Mokryonhwa in Korean long ago.

President Kim Il Sung suggested calling Mokryonhwa Mokran, saying the Korean people have traditionally added the Korean word "ran" to the name of fragrant and beautiful flowers.

He also called for listing magnolia as the national flower of the DPRK.

Leader Kim Jong Il made sure that magnolia, which the President loved so much, was propagated in all parts of the country.