Forest of Japanese Torreyas at Geumtapsa Temple, Goheung

The Japanese Torreya grows south of Naejangsan Mountain in Korea, and also in Japan. Its leaves are thick, small and pointed at the tip. It flowers in spring, and its long, round fruit ripens in the autumn of the following year. The tree's attractive shape means it is widely used for ornamental planting, and its fruit is used as a vermifuge, a treatment for constipation, or pressed for oil. The Forest of Japanese Torreyas at Geumtapsa Temple, Goheung, stands on the slope of Cheondeungsan Mountain and is thought to have been planted after Geumtapsa Temple was founded in 637, the sixth year of Queen Seondeok. The trees making up the forest are about 10 metres tall and are believed to have all been planted at the same time. The forest appears to have been planted in connection with Geumtapsa Temple, offering a glimpse of the cultural life of earlier generations. As an old man-made forest of high biological conservation value, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.

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Where it is

Region

Goheung, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물