Ginkgo in Jangsu-dong, Incheon

Nothing is known about the origins of the ginkgo tree in Jangsu-dong, Incheon, but it has long been regarded as a spiritually powerful tree, and it is said that whenever misfortune struck a household or an epidemic spread through the village, villagers would set out offerings before the tree and pray earnestly. This popular belief continued, and for around 200 years a rite has been held every year on the first day of the seventh lunar month to pray for a bountiful harvest and peace in the village; afterwards food was shared and neighbours strengthened their bonds. There is also a taboo against bringing any part of the ginkgo tree, whether leaves or branches, into the home, and it is said that because the tree spirit takes for itself all the fortune by which a village might produce outstanding talents, villagers here enjoy long life but rarely produce distinguished figures. The ginkgo tree in Jangsu-dong, Incheon rises high, its trunk dividing evenly into five stems from the base, with branches that droop down like those of a weeping willow, giving it a form unlike most other ginkgo trees, and its growth condition is very good. Having long served as the guardian deity of the village, a place where villagers would set out offerings and pray whenever misfortune or serious illness struck, and where the village rite continues to be held to this day, it has great natural, academic and folkloric value, and so has been designated and protected as a natural monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Namdong-gu, Incheon

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물