Village Guardian Grove in Galjeon-ri, Samcheok

The elm tree is found in Korea, Japan, and China; it is highly resistant to cold, vigorous, and fast-growing. It blooms in March, and its fruit resembles the thin coins once used in the past, giving rise to the names yujeon or yuhyeopjeon, meaning elm coin. The elm tree of Galjeon-ri, Samcheok, is estimated to be about 400 years old (as of the date of designation), reaching 20.5 m in height with a girth of 3.73 m. Grey herons visit this tree every year to raise their young, and the villagers therefore believe it to be a seonangdang tree that protects and watches over the village, holding a rite every year on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. According to tradition, an ancestor of the Nam clan of Galjeon settled in this area and planted this elm tree. The village guardian grove of Galjeon-ri, Samcheok, has lived for a long time under the interest and care of the villagers, and holds high value as cultural and biological material. It is therefore designated and protected as a natural monument. Change of natural heritage name: changed from the former name, Elm Tree of Galjeon-ri, Samcheok, to Village Guardian Grove of Galjeon-ri, Samcheok (announced 10 October 2012). Around the natural monument stands a cluster of other trees, including a Village Guardian Shrine and protected trees such as a sawtooth oak, a Korean angelica tree, and a maple, and as this grove retains its historical character as a village guardian grove, the designated name was changed to cover the whole cluster together, in order to conserve and manage the natural monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Samcheok, Gangwon

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물