Songak of Samin-ri, Gochang

Songak is an evergreen climbing plant of the ginseng family (Araliaceae) that sends roots out from its stem to cling to rocks or other trees as it grows. Its leaves are a glossy dark green, its flowers bloom green in October, and its fruit ripens round and black the following May. In Korea it grows mainly in forests along the southwestern coast and on the islands. The Songak of Samin-ri, Gochang, is rooted at the foot of a cliff across the stream from the entrance to Seonunsa Temple, and grows covering the entire cliff face as it climbs. Its exact age is unknown, but judging from its size it is thought to be at least several hundred years old. The Songak of Samin-ri, Gochang, is remarkable for its unusually great size, and since Samin-ri, Gochang, lies close to the northern limit at which Songak can grow inland, it is designated and protected as a natural monument.

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Where it is

Region

Gochang, Jeonbuk

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물