Ginkgo Tree of Yonggye-ri, Andong

The ginkgo tree of Yonggye-ri is estimated to be about 700 years old, stands 31.0 m tall and has a girth at breast height of 13.67 m. It originally stood in the playground of Yonggye Elementary School, but because that site would have been submerged by the construction of the Imha Dam, the tree was relocated to its present position atop a mound of earth built up 15 m high. Tradition relates that during the reign of King Seonjo of Joseon (r. 1567–1608), a military training commander named Tak Sun-chang came down from Seoul and, together with like-minded companions, formed a mutual-aid association called the "Ginkgo Tree Society" to protect this tree, gathering beneath it every July to foster friendship among its members. The village itself no longer exists, but descendants of the Tak clan still hold a rite for the tree every year and continue to protect it. The ginkgo tree of Yonggye-ri, Andong is of great value as a symbol that has fostered unity among the local residents, and it is also valuable cultural evidence of how our ancestors loved and protected trees. It is accordingly designated and protected as a natural monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Andong, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물