Earlier in the film, David and Soon-ja plant minari seeds by a creek, with Soon-ja telling him that the plants are very durable and are sure to last a long time. This is a key moment in the film for their relationship in particular, as this is the first instance where David starts to warm up to his grandma. Minari is a plant often used in Korean cooking, known for its ability to thrive in harsh conditions, particularly in how it best grows following the death of another plant.
The very end of the film sees Jacob and David venture out to the minari patch, which a buyer has agreed to purchase. As they go about harvesting the plant, Jacob comments on what a good place Soon-ja chose to plant them before the two get to work. It's a perfectly tender ending that practically speaks for itself. Not only has the plant quite literally saved the family after the rest of their produce has been destroyed, but it has also strengthened their bond.
Jacob now has another chance to start the farm, Monica sees how much Jacob means to her, the children have accepted their grandma, and Soon-ja is able to find purpose in supporting the family through her traditions, allowing the family to embrace their heritage rather than run away from it. By the end of the film, the fire brought the cleanse the family needed, and the minari is their gateway to a second chance and a rekindled bond between every member in the process. Through all the hardships, the family has learned from their missteps and risen from the ashes to continue to endure and grow, much like the hearty minari.
