Representative of the clan sells to landscaper
A pine tree that had taken root and stood for 300 years in Naejuk-ri, Sunheung-myeon, Yeongju-si, Gyeongbuk, was uprooted and transported to Seoul.
According to the city, the 300-year-old pine tree (Bansong) owned by the Woo-gye Lee clan, located near Sunheung Hyanggyo in Naejuk-ri, Sunheung-myeon, was removed by a landscaping contractor around 8 p.m. on the 27th of last month.
Undercover work started 5 months ago
The undercover work for removing the pine tree began in May. The clan representative, who owns the pine tree, filed a mountain area use change report in May, stating the intention to build an agricultural warehouse on the pine tree’s natural habitat. The city requested a preservation plan for the pine tree and only approved the mountain area use change report after receiving a response that the pine tree would be transplanted nearby.
However, instead of transplanting the pine tree, the clan representative proceeded with a sales contract with a landscaping contractor. The contractor attempted to remove the pine tree on the 4th of last month, but the attempt failed due to reports from residents.
The Yeongju-si forestry department, which received the reports, visited the site seven times and issued administrative guidance and construction stop notices by the 24th.
Despite the city’s efforts, around 7 p.m. on the 24th, the landscaping contractor illegally removed the notice signs and attempted to illegally excavate and remove the pine tree again. The second attempt was also stopped by local residents.
The city blocked the removal by issuing orders to restore the pine tree to its original location, notifying violations of unauthorized excavation, rejecting the mountain area use change report, and issuing prior notice of cancellation of the mountain area use report. However, on the 27th, when residents briefly left, the pine tree was transported.
In response, Yeongju-si stated, "We have taken necessary administrative actions such as restoration orders against the Woo-gye Lee clan landowners and the landscaping contractor, and have initiated punishment related to the unauthorized removal of the pine tree."
However, even if criminal penalties are imposed, the punishment is considered weak compared to the value of the pine tree, so it is uncertain whether restoration will be achieved.
'600 million won pine tree' regarded as a village treasure
This pine tree was called the "600 million won pine tree" among residents. Several years ago, when someone offered to buy the tree for 600 million won and brought in an excavator, the leaves suddenly withered, causing the buyer to give up, which led to the name.
Village people, who regarded it as a protected tree saying, "The pine tree was sick because it did not want to leave its hometown," expressed deep loss over the cultural and historical asset being damaged due to economic reasons as the pine tree, which symbolized the area, was sold.
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