Korean Dictionary
How to say "Memorial Wreath" in Korean
“Memorial Wreath” in Korean is 헌화 (pronounced "heonhwa").
헌화
heonhwa
Usage & Context
헌화 is the act of laying flowers at a memorial or grave as a sign of respect and remembrance in Korean ceremony. On 현충일 and 삼일절 government officials and citizens perform 헌화 at war memorials and independence activist graves. 헌화 is also performed at funeral parlors and memorials for notable figures.
Example Sentence
현충일에 국립묘지에서 헌화를 했어요.
I laid a wreath at the national cemetery on Memorial Day.
How to use 헌화 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Memorial Wreath” is 헌화, romanized as heonhwa.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 헌화.
Pronunciation Guide
헌 (heon) sounds like 'hun' in 'hunt' but with a softer 'h' and a short 'eo' vowel sound, similar to 'uh' in 'butter'. 화 (hwa) sounds like 'hwa' in 'Hwaseong' (a Korean city) or 'wah' with an initial 'h' sound. Overall, 'heon-hwa'.
More Example Sentences
Using 'heonhwa' in a context of respect, not just mourning.
졸업식 때 선생님께 감사의 헌화를 드렸어요.
At the graduation ceremony, I offered a wreath of gratitude to the teacher.
Describing public mourning at a tragic event.
사고 현장에 시민들의 헌화가 이어지고 있어요.
Citizens' memorial wreaths are continuously being laid at the accident site.
Participating in a formal memorial ceremony.
국가유공자 묘역에 헌화하며 경의를 표했습니다.
I paid my respects by laying a wreath at the graves of national merit recipients.
Cultural Context
헌화 is a solemn act of laying flowers, typically a wreath, at a memorial, grave, or significant site to show respect, remembrance, and mourning. It's a common practice at funerals, national cemeteries, and on national holidays like Hyeonchungil (Memorial Day) and Samiljeol. White chrysanthemums are often used, symbolizing purity and grief. The act is a deeply respectful gesture, reflecting Korean cultural values of honoring the deceased and those who sacrificed for the nation.
Editorial note
We review entries like 헌화 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
헌화하다
To lay a wreath
헌화식
Wreath-laying ceremony
헌화 및 분향
Laying wreaths and offering incense
Related Expressions
조화
johwa
Funeral wreath (the physical object)
추모
chumo
Remembrance, commemoration
분향
bunhyang
Incense offering
참배
chambae
Visiting a grave/memorial to pay respects
More Holidays & Festivals Words
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