Horizontal Chinese Juniper Tree of Juha-ri, Andong

The Chinese juniper (hyangnamu) grows in central and southern Korea, as well as on Ulleungdo Island and in Japan, and is also known as sangnamu or nosongnamu. With its strong fragrance, it has long been used as incense in ancestral rites and is also widely planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. The horizontal Chinese juniper (ttukhyangnamu) resembles the Chinese juniper, but differs in that it does not grow upright; instead its trunk and branches grow at an angle before spreading out horizontally. The Horizontal Chinese Juniper Tree of Juha-ri, Andong, is estimated to be about 500 years old. It stands 4.0 m tall with a trunk girth of 2.5 m at breast height, and various supports have been installed to prevent its branches from drooping. It is said to be the sole survivor of three trees brought back and planted by Yi Jeong, who served as magistrate of Seonsan during the reign of King Sejong (r. 1418–1450) of Joseon, when he returned home after completing construction of Yaksan Fortress while serving as magistrate of Jeongju in North Pyeongan Province; this history is said to be recorded in the Nosong Uncheop. Having survived for centuries under the care and attention of past generations, the Horizontal Chinese Juniper Tree of Juha-ri, Andong, is of great value as a cultural and biological resource, and is designated and protected as a natural monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Andong, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물