Yeonggwang Gunseo Pagoda Tree

The pagoda tree, round and gentle in form, was favoured in China for planting at the tombs of high officials and at scholars' homes. In Korea it was introduced by envoys travelling to and from China and planted at hyanggyo (local Confucian schools) and temples. Among broadleaved trees it is especially resistant to pollution, and for this reason it is also used today as a street tree and in parks. The Yeonggwang Gunseo Pagoda Trees are estimated to be about 400 years old: one tree (Tree A) stands in Gasa-ri, and two (Trees B and C) stand in Namjuk-ri. Tree A is 15–16 m tall with a girth of 115–128 cm; Tree B is 14–15 m tall with a girth of 105–108 cm; and Tree C is 10–11 m tall with a girth of 57–60 cm. The village of Gasa-ri took shape after members of the Gimhae Kim clan moved there and settled around 1597, and the village is also known as Gajae-gol, Gajang-gol or Gasi-ri. It is said that in times of national calamity and war this pagoda tree fails to put out leaves and appears withered and dead, only to turn green again once the war has ended. A well beside the tree was said to produce mighty warriors in those who drank from it, but after Japanese troops buried the well during the Imjin War (1592–1598), no more such warriors were born — a tale carrying historical, cultural and legendary significance. The Yeonggwang Gunseo Pagoda Trees are valuable for their rarity, their scholarly importance, and for the conservation of genetic resources.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yeonggwang, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물