Ginkgo Tree of Nongso-ri, Gumi

The ginkgo tree of Nongso-ri, Gumi is estimated to be more than about 400 years old (as of the date of designation), with a height of 24.6 m and a girth at breast height of 13.4 m. Some of the shoots at its base have continued to grow until they are about as tall as the main trunk, and there are so many such shoots that the tree looks almost like a small forest. The origin of the tree is not certain, but the valley on the hill behind it is called 'Gol Bawitgol Jeolteo Yangji' ('the sunny side of the temple-site in Bawitgol valley'), and scattered stone walls in the area suggest that a temple or a market once stood there; the ginkgo is accordingly thought to be connected with a temple. The villagers believe that the ginkgo tree protects the village, and hold a ritual for it every year on 10 October. It was once held in such awe that birds were not even allowed to land on its branches, though today there is a nest at the top of the tree. The ginkgo tree of Nongso-ri, Gumi is a tree that has survived through the long-standing care and attention of past generations; it is designated and protected as a natural monument both as material for cultural research and for its high value in biological conservation.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gumi, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물