Ginkgo Tree of Bongan-ri, Damyang

This ginkgo tree, standing at the centre of Sulji village, is a guardian tree of the village, together with the zelkova trees at the four points of the compass on its outskirts; unusually, it stands within the village itself. In scale too it is impressive, with a circumference of 8 metres at breast height, comparing favourably in size and grandeur with other ginkgo trees currently designated as Natural Monuments. According to legend, the Ginkgo Tree of Bongan-ri, Damyang cried out whenever a major event affecting the nation was about to occur, and even in times of hardship there was no theft in the village. Revered as a dangsan namu, a guardian tree at which villagers prayed for the village's peace and a good harvest, it has served not only as a resting place but also as a source of communal income, its harvested nuts being used for the village's shared projects. For its representative academic value and great local cultural significance, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Damyang, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물