Cheongwadae Old Tree Gun and Changwon Bukburi Zelkova Tree to Be Designated as Natural Monuments

Cheongwadae Old Tree Gun

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] The ‘Cheongwadae Old Tree Group’ and the ‘Changwon Bukburi Hackberry Tree’ have been designated as natural monuments.

The Cultural Heritage Administration decided this at the 8th Natural Monument Subcommittee meeting held on the 29th. The official gazette announcement will be made on October 7.

The Old Tree Group refers to six old trees within Cheongwadae. These include one Korean red pine inside the Green Garden, three pagoda trees in the nearby forest surrounding the Green Garden, one Mongolian oak in front of Sangchunjae, and one dragon willow separately located at the willow yard in front of Yeomin-gwan.

During the investigation conducted by cultural heritage committee members and plant experts since the opening of Cheongwadae on May 10, it was revealed that the Old Tree Group consists of trees that have grown in a forest area protected for about 300 years.

The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, “With the designation of the Cheongwadae Old Tree Group as a natural monument, Cheongwadae is expected to establish itself as a complex space where cultural heritage and natural heritage harmonize, embodying the historical and symbolic significance as the rear garden of Gyeongbokgung Palace.”

The yew tree, known as the oldest tree within Cheongwadae, was excluded from designation as it was transplanted during the restoration of the old topography in 1993 when the former Governor-General’s residence was demolished.

Pangnamu Tree in Bukburi, Changwon

The Changwon Bukburi Hackberry Tree, which gained attention as the ‘Sodeok-dong Hackberry Tree’ through the drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo, was also designated as a natural monument.

It was highly valued for serving as the focal point of the Dongbu Village community for a long time and for continuing the village’s unique tradition as a sacred tree (Shinmok) for the Dangsan Festival for over 90 years. Its scenic value was also recognized, as it overlooks the wide plains of Hanam-eup to the north and Daesan-myeon to the south, separated from the original hackberry tree site.