Trifoliate Orange of Gapgot-ri, Ganghwa

The trifoliate orange is mainly found in the Yeongnam and Honam regions, and also grows in Japan and China. The trees found in Korea and Japan are believed to have been introduced from China. Its fruit and bark are used as medicinal ingredients, and because its stems bear thorns, it is well suited for use as an orchard hedge. The trifoliate orange of Gapgot-ri, standing beside the War Museum on Ganghwado Island, is estimated to be about 400 years old, with a height of 5.4 m and a girth of 2.12 m at the base of its roots. Ganghwado Island was where Emperor Gojong of Goryeo (r. 1213–1259) took refuge during the Mongol invasions, and was also where King Injo of Joseon (r. 1623–1649) fled during the Jeongmyo War of 1627, a Manchu invasion of Korea. At that time, to keep out foreign enemies, a fortress wall was built on Ganghwado Island, and trifoliate orange trees were planted outside the wall so that enemies could not easily approach. This tree is presumed to be a survivor of those trees planted at that time. Ganghwado Island marks the northernmost limit at which the trifoliate orange can grow, and it is said that when the trees were first planted, the royal court required detailed reports on their growth. The trifoliate orange of Gapgot-ri, Ganghwa, is historically significant as a relic of our ancestors' national defence, planted in preparation against foreign invasion, and because it stands on Ganghwado Island, the northernmost limit at which the species can grow, it has been designated and protected as a natural monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Ganghwa, Incheon

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물