Saw-leaf Zelkova of Wolgok-ri, Yeongam

The zelkova is found in warm regions including Korea, Japan, Taiwan and China. Its branches spread out in all directions, giving the tree a rounded form; it flowers in May and its disc-shaped fruit ripens in October. Because its trunk grows thick and it lives for a long time, it has often been kept as a jeongjanamu, a shade tree providing a resting place, or protected as a dangsannamu, a guardian tree believed to watch over a village. The zelkova of Wolgok-ri, Yeongam is estimated to have been about 516 years old at the time of its designation, standing 22.0 m tall with a girth at breast height of 8.8 m. As the village's shade tree, it has provided a resting place for passing visitors and villagers alike, and has also served as the guardian spirit protecting the village. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, festive music and games are held centred on the tree, and at every holiday a sacred straw rope is strung around it and offerings are made to pray for a good harvest. The zelkova of Wolgok-ri, Yeongam has not only played a central role in the villagers' unity and cultural life but, as an old tree, also has great biological conservation value, and it is designated and protected as a natural monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yeongam, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물