Suseongsong Pine Tree in Seongnae-ri, Haenam

The Suseongsong Pine Tree in Seongnae-ri, Haenam is a gomsol, or black pine (Pinus thunbergii), estimated to be around 400 years old, standing 15.4 m tall with a trunk circumference of 3.7 m at breast height. It stands in the front yard of Haenam County Office, at the centre of Haenam County. The gomsol belongs to the pine family and is so named because its needles are coarser than those of the common pine. Because it grows along the coast it is also called haesong, or 'sea pine', and because the bark of its trunk is darker than that of the common pine it is also called heuksong, or 'black pine'. Whereas the winter buds of the common pine are usually red, those of the gomsol are distinctively greyish-white. This tree has a single thick trunk that divides into several branches, giving it a very beautiful form. The name Suseongsong, meaning 'castle-defending pine', derives from an event in the tenth year of King Myeongjong of Joseon (1555), when more than sixty Japanese pirate ships invaded what are now Namchang-ri and Daldo Island in Wando County. On that occasion government troops led by the Haenam magistrate Byeon Hyeop fought off the invaders only with great difficulty, and Byeon Hyeop was promoted to magistrate of Jangheung in recognition of his achievement. To commemorate this, the tree is said to have been planted in the front yard of the Haenam magistrate's office at the time and given the name 'Suseongsong'. The Suseongsong Pine Tree in Seongnae-ri, Haenam is a symbolic tree cherished by the people of Haenam as a reminder of the overcoming of national crisis through the defeat of the Japanese pirates. Beautiful and in good health, and carrying the legend of the defence of Haenam's fortress, it has outstanding cultural and academic value and has accordingly been designated and protected as a natural monument.

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Where it is

Region

Haenam, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물