Ginkgo Tree in Myeoncheon-myeon, Dangjin

There are two ginkgo trees standing on the site of the former Myeoncheon Elementary School in Seongsang-ri, Myeoncheon-myeon, Dangjin. One reaches a height of 23.2 m with a circumference at breast height of 5.8 m, and the other reaches a height of 20.6 m with a circumference at breast height of 6.1 m. A legend is told concerning General Bok Ji-gyeom, who rendered great service when King Taejo of Goryeo, Wang Geon, unified the country, and his daughter Yeongnang. In his old age Bok Ji-gyeom returned to his hometown of Myeoncheon and fell ill with a disease of unknown cause. His young daughter Yeongnang prayed every day to the spirits to cure her father's illness. One day, drawn by a mysterious force, she fell into a deep sleep and had a dream in which a mountain spirit appeared and told her: 'Obtain two ginkgo trees and plant them in the courtyard; go up the mountain in front, gather azalea petals, brew wine with them using water from the inner well, mature the wine for a hundred days, and give it to your father — then his illness will be cured.' She did exactly as instructed, and General Bok Ji-gyeom's illness was miraculously healed. Every year, villagers gather at the Ginkgo Tree in Myeoncheon-myeon, Dangjin, to hold the Moksinje, a rite honouring the tree spirit; for its historical, cultural and folkloric value, the tree is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Dangjin, Chungnam

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물