Hyeongosu (Saw-leaf Zelkova) in Segan-ri, Uiryeong

The zelkova tree is found in warm regions of Korea as well as Japan, Taiwan and China. Its branches spread out in all directions to form a rounded shape; it flowers in May, and its disc-shaped fruit ripens in October. With its thick trunk and long lifespan, it has been used as a shade tree providing a resting place, or protected as a village guardian tree (dangsan-namu) believed to watch over and protect the village. The Hyeongosu, standing in front of Segan village, is a zelkova tree estimated (as of the date of designation) to be about 520 years old, standing 8.9m tall with a circumference at breast height of 9.2m. At the time of designation the tree reached a height of 20m, but this has since decreased considerably; as the Hyeongosu is not in good health, a project to restore its vigour was recently carried out, and it is a tree that requires much attention and protection. The name Hyeongosu means 'the tree from which a drum was hung', deriving from the legend that during the Japanese invasions of 1592, General Gwak Jae-u hung a large drum from this zelkova tree and beat it while gathering and training the country's first righteous army (uibyeong). The Hyeongosu in Segan-ri, Uiryeong can be regarded as the place where the righteous army first rose up during the Japanese invasions, and the sacred flame for the annual Righteous Army Festival is still lit here; given its great historical and cultural value, it is designated and protected as a natural monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Uiryeong, Gyeongnam

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물