Drama 'Woo Young-woo' Pangnamu Tree to Become a Natural Monument

Designation Notice on the 30th... Historical, Growth Condition, and Scenic Value Pass
Parking, Pets, Noise, and Property Rights Issues to Be Resolved with Changwon City and Village Residents

The 'Changwon Bukburi Hackberry Tree,' which gained significant attention after appearing in the drama 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' will be designated as a natural monument.

On the 24th, the Cultural Heritage Administration decided at the 7th Natural Monument Subcommittee meeting held at the National Palace Museum to announce the designation of the Changwon Bukburi Hackberry Tree as a nationally designated natural monument on the 30th. The tree was designated as a protected tree by Changwon City in July 2015. It became famous after being introduced as the old tree 'Sodeok-dong Hackberry Tree,' which has long guarded the village in 'Woo Young-woo.' Its designation as a natural monument will play a decisive role in protecting the village from threats.

In response to nationwide interest, the Cultural Heritage Administration visited the site on the 29th of last month to investigate its cultural heritage value. Three cultural heritage committee members specializing in plants and traditional landscaping from the Natural Monument Subcommittee assessed the tree's history and growth condition.

According to the investigation, the age of the Changwon Bukburi Hackberry Tree is approximately 500 years. Its size measures 16 meters in height, 6.8 meters in chest circumference, and 27 meters in crown width (the maximum width of branches and leaves). It was evaluated to have no significant difference in age or size compared to other already designated natural monuments such as the Yecheon Geumnam-ri Hackberry Tree (400 years old, 12m height, 6.56m chest circumference, 26m crown width) and the Gochang Sudong-ri Hackberry Tree (500 years old, 18m height, 5.75m chest circumference, 24.3m crown width).

It also received high marks for its growth condition and scenic value. A Cultural Heritage Administration official stated, "The tree's shape, with a wide-spreading crown at the upper part of the trunk, is beautiful and in good condition," adding, "Its majestic stance standing tall on the plain far from the hill creates a magnificent view."

Hackberry trees are commonly found around harbors where the sea and rivers meet and are also called 'Paegunamu.' Their fruits serve as food for migratory birds, and the trees grow large, providing shade. In most villages, they are regarded as Dangsan trees, serving as a focal point for the local community. Dangsan trees are believed to be inhabited by spirits and are revered. In fact, there has long been a Dangseonam (shrine) nearby. Villagers held the Dangsan ritual annually on the first day of the tenth lunar month. Jeong Ssang-i, the head monk of Dangseonam, testified during the Cultural Heritage Administration's investigation, "I have presided over the Dangsan ritual for about 90 years along with the late Head Monk Jeonggo since the ritual began," and "the village actively supported it, including donating a paddy field."

Recently, the Changwon Bukburi Hackberry Tree has been suffering due to its fame. Hundreds of visitors flock even on weekdays, causing issues such as parking, pets, and noise. Villagers also worry about property rights infringement upon its designation as a cultural heritage site. In response, the Cultural Heritage Administration and Changwon City held a residents' briefing session and promised to support various measures, including improving traffic flow using temporary paving facilities, installing fences, and temporary restrooms. A Cultural Heritage Administration official said, "We will continue to cooperate closely with local residents so that the Changwon Bukburi Hackberry Tree contributes to expanding opportunities for enjoying natural heritage, enhancing public convenience, and promoting regional coexistence and development."