Gwaneumsong Pine Tree in Cheongnyeongpo, Yeongwol

Gwaneumsong grows within Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol and is estimated to be about 600 years old. It stands 30 m tall with a trunk girth of 5.5 m at breast height; at a height of 1.6 m the trunk forks into two, one branch growing upward and the other leaning slightly to the west. Cheongnyeongpo was the place of exile of King Danjong, who lost his throne in 1456, the second year of King Sejo's reign. It is said that during his exile Danjong would sit astride the point where this tree's trunk divides in two, passing his time there. The name Gwaneumsong is said to combine the character 觀, meaning 'to see', because the tree witnessed Danjong's wretched circumstances, with the character 音, meaning 'sound', because it heard his sorrowful voice. Villagers have long revered this tree, believing that its bark turns black whenever a great event befalls the nation, thereby giving warning of calamity. The Gwaneumsong pine in Cheongnyeongpo, Yeongwol, carries legends associated with King Danjong and is recognised as being of historical and academic value for preservation, and it is therefore designated and protected as a natural monument.

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Where it is

Region

Yeongwol, Gangwon

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물