Damyang Husan-ri Ginkgo

The ginkgo is a tree so ancient it is often called a living fossil, and it is found across Korea, Japan and China. It is said to have been introduced to Korea along with Confucianism and Buddhism from China. Its autumn foliage is very beautiful, it is free from pests and disease, and it provides broad, dense shade, so it is widely planted as a shade tree by pavilions or along roadsides. The exact age of the Damyang Husan-ri ginkgo is not known, but it reaches a height of 30 m. It is also known as "King Injo's horse-tethering tree." The name arose because, before he ascended the throne, King Injo of Joseon (r. 1623–1649) travelled through the Honam region and came to visit a man named Oh Hui-do who lived in Husan; on that occasion he is said to have tethered the horse he had ridden to this ginkgo tree. The tree stands with a towering, sky-piercing presence along the path leading into Myeongokheon Garden, renowned as one of Korea's beautiful gardens. To the right of the ginkgo lies the site of Oh Hui-do's birthplace, and behind it stands an old venerable tree, together evoking the former glory of the surrounding area.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Damyang, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물