蓮

Phono-semantic compound:

艸 (풀 초) — semantic element indicating a plant.

連 (이을 련, “to connect”) — phonetic element providing the sound lián / ryeon.

Originally written with the grass radical to denote its botanical nature, the character visually conveys a flower spreading its leaves across water, linked to the concept of connection (連) in form and meaning.

In Korean, it appears in compounds such as 연꽃 (蓮-), 연화 (蓮花, lotus blossom), and 극락세계의 연화좌 (蓮華座, lotus seat).

The lotus holds profound significance in Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism:

In Buddhism, it represents purity of body and mind, emerging unsullied from the mud — “like the lotus unstained by water” (出淤泥而不染).

The lotus seat (蓮華座) symbolizes spiritual awakening, where Buddhas and bodhisattvas are depicted seated upon blooming lotuses.

In Chinese and Korean art, lotus motifs adorn temples, pagodas, and paintings, representing peace, renewal, and divine grace.

Its phonetic association with 連 (“connection”) also inspired poetic parallels between human relationships and interconnected lotus stems (藕斷絲連) — “though the lotus roots are broken, their fibers remain connected,” symbolizing enduring attachment.