Ginkgo Tree of Yasa-ri, Hwasun

The Ginkgo Tree of Yasa-ri, Hwasun is estimated to be about 500 years old (at the time of its designation), standing 20.0m tall with a trunk girth of 11.0m at breast height, and it stands in a corner of a house yard in Yasa-ri village. Hanging downward between its branches are yuju, woody growths resembling knots or short, blunt clubs that develop on old ginkgo trees. The tree is said to have been planted when the village was first settled, during the reign of King Seongjong of Joseon (r. 1469–1494). It was believed to possess supernatural power: when the nation's fortunes flourished it heralded peace, and at times it let out a wailing sound to warn of war or national misfortune. The villagers held the tree sacred, performing a rite each year on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month (Daeboreum) to pray for a bountiful harvest and good fortune in the year ahead. The Ginkgo Tree of Yasa-ri, Hwasun marks the period when the village was formed, and it holds high value as both cultural and biological material, and is therefore designated and protected as a natural monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Hwasun, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물