Drama 'Woo Young-woo' Tree, the Zelkova, to Undergo Natural Monument Evaluation

Cultural Heritage Administration Announces Preliminary Survey for Natural Monument Designation

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 25th that it will conduct a natural monument designation survey to assess the cultural heritage value of the Paengnamu tree in Bukburi, Changwon. This tree, protected by Changwon City, has recently gained significant attention after appearing in the drama "Extraordinary Attorney Woo." It stands tall on a hill in an open village area and is described in the drama as an old tree that has long protected the village. By being designated as a natural monument, it plays a crucial role in safeguarding the village from threats.

The Paengnamu tree mainly grows in the central and southern regions of Korea. The Paengnamu tree in Bukburi, Changwon, is relatively large and old. Its age is approximately 500 years. Its size includes a height of 16 meters, a chest circumference of 6.8 meters, and a crown width (the maximum width of branches and leaves) of 27 meters. Currently, there are two Paengnamu trees designated as natural monument old trees: the Hwangmokgeun tree in Geumnam-ri, Yecheon, and the Paengnamu tree in Sudong-ri, Gochang.

The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "We plan to conduct an on-site investigation soon with the natural monument division and cultural heritage committee members to evaluate the tree's history, growth condition, and cultural heritage value," adding, "We will review the designation as a natural monument together with village residents and local governments."