“How does it feel to stand in the presence of a living monument?” I ask you now. We are standing before the 100\ub144\ub41c \uc218\ubaa9 in Seoul. This isn’t just any tree. This is a sentinel that has watched over this city for a century.
This protected tree stands tall as a testament to time. Seoul has designated 212 trees as protected. This is under the Forest Protection Act. The city treasures these old trees. They hold stories from the past.
Imagine the stories this 100\ub144\ub41c \uc218\ubaa9 could tell if it could speak. It has witnessed countless seasons change. It has stood silently as Seoul transformed around it. Wars may have scarred the Korean peninsula. This tree has stood firm through it all.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government works hard to protect the city’s older trees. They recognize their historic value. Some protected trees are incredibly old. The oldest is an 830-year-old ginkgo. It stands before King Yeon San Gun’s grave. Other ginkgo trees in Siheung-dong are also 830 years old. A juniper in Seocho-dong shares that age. A 900-year-old rattan grows at the prime minister’s residence. A 700-year-old juniper graces Changdeok Palace. These trees are natural monuments.
Ginkgo trees like the 100\ub144\ub41c \uc218\ubaa9 are special. They came to Korea with Confucianism and Buddhism from China. You can find them in Japan too. Ginkgos have beautiful leaves in the fall. Insects do not harm them. They offer cool shade. That is why people often plant them as roadside trees.
One famous ginkgo in Bangye-ri is between 800 and 1,000 years old. It stands 32 meters tall. Its girth is about 16.27 meters. Its branches spread widely. This makes it a magnificent sight.
There are stories about the Bangye-ri ginkgo. One says a member of Seongju Yi’s family planted it. Then Seongju Yi disappeared. Another story tells of a monk. He put his walking stick into the ground. It grew into the ginkgo. Some believe a white snake lives in the tree. People consider it sacred. No one dares harm it. Villagers believe a rich harvest will follow. This will happen if the tree’s leaves flourish in the fall.
The Wonju Bangye-ri Ginkgo Tree has an impressive crown. It covers about 17 meters. Its widespread branches make it visually appealing. Some call it the world’s most beautiful tree.
One story says the tree sprouted during the Silla dynasty. Another says Crown Prince Maui planted it. He was going to Mount Kumgang to become a hermit. Experts estimate the tree is 1,100 years old. The ginkgo even received an honorary title during the Joseon Dynasty.
Scientists study ginkgo trees. They want to know how they thrive. Even 600-year-old ginkgos produce defensive chemicals. They support their immune systems like younger trees. Gingkos are native to East Asia. They are the last living species of their kind. This order appeared over 290 million years ago.
Remember this 100\ub144\ub41c \uc218\ubaa9. It needs our respect. It is a cultural asset. Protect trees like this. They connect us to the past. They enrich our present. They inspire our future.