Lacebark Pine of Jogyesa Temple, Seoul

The lacebark pine sheds its bark in broad flakes, revealing a whitish surface underneath, which is why it is also known as the "white-bone pine". Native to China, it was brought to Korea and planted by envoys who travelled between the two countries during the Joseon period. The Jogyesa lacebark pine is estimated to be about 500 years old. It stands 13.6 m tall with a girth of 2.0 m at breast height. It grows close beside Daeungjeon Hall within the temple courtyard, and only the branches reaching towards Daeungjeon Hall remain alive. One side of the tree stands directly against a passageway used by visitors, and the other is hemmed in by a building, leaving it little room to grow; its condition is correspondingly poor. The lacebark pine of Jogyesa Temple, Seoul, is a rare pine seldom seen elsewhere. Having lived for centuries under the care and attention of past generations, and holding great value as biological material, it has been designated and protected as a natural monument.

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Where it is

Region

Jongno-gu, Seoul

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물