Saw-leaf Zelkova of Danjeon-ri, Jangseong

The zelkova is found in warm regions of Korea as well as Japan, Taiwan and China. Its branches spread out in all directions to form a round crown; it flowers in May, and its disc-shaped fruit ripens in October. Because of its thick trunk and long lifespan, the zelkova has long been used as a pavilion tree — a large shade tree providing a resting place — or protected as a dangsan tree, a guardian tree believed to watch over a village. This zelkova has a beautiful, semicircular form and is one of the largest zelkova trees identified to date, standing 22.8 m tall with a girth of 10.1 m at breast height. Its growth condition is excellent, making it representative of Korea's zelkova trees. The Saw-leaf Zelkova of Danjeon-ri, Jangseong, is said to have been planted by Kim Chung-nam, the founding ancestor of the Dogang Kim clan who settled in Danjeon village, in memory of his elder brother Kim Chung-no, who died a martyr's death during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598). Villagers call it the 'General Tree' and regard it as a sacred tree possessing miraculous power, holding a dangsanje, a village guardian-tree ritual, in its honour in the early part of the first lunar month (a practice maintained until the 1990s). For its great historical and cultural value, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jangseong, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물