Pair of Chinese Junipers at Cheonjaam Hermitage of Songgwangsa Temple, Suncheon

The Chinese juniper grows in Korea south of the central region, as well as on Ulleungdo Island and in Japan. It has a strong fragrance and is used as incense at ancestral rites, and is also widely planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. The pair of Chinese junipers at Songgwangsa Temple is estimated to be about 800 years old, standing 12.0 m tall with trunk girths of 4.10 m and 3.30 m at chest height. The two trees stand side by side as a pair, their trunks curiously and severely twisted. According to legend, when State Preceptor Bojo and State Preceptor Damdang returned from China during the Goryeo period, they planted their juniper-wood walking sticks side by side at this spot, and the sticks took root and put out branches and leaves. State Preceptor Damdang, though born a prince, became a disciple of State Preceptor Bojo, and it is said that the shape of the trees, with one appearing to bow to the other, expresses the respectful relationship between master and disciple. It is also said that whether pushed by one hand or by several people together, the two trees always move as one, and that touching them allows one to reach paradise, so that many visitors come to this place. The pair of Chinese junipers at Songgwangsa Temple, with the legend described above and their remarkable form as ancient trees, hold great cultural and biological value, and so have been designated and protected as a natural monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Suncheon, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물