An excellent opportunity is coming to embrace the great arms of Seoksongnyeong in Cheonhyang-ri, Gamcheon-myeon, Yecheon-gun, which had only been observed beyond protective measures.
Yecheon-gun, Gyeongbuk, will temporarily open the fence gate surrounding the natural monument Cheonhyang-ri Seoksongnyeong.
Yecheon-gun announced that from April to June, for three months, the protective fence of Seoksongnyeong will be opened on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, to protect the tree, the number of visitors is limited to 30 per session, and visitors must follow the guidance of officials.
An official from the county said, “Usually, to protect Seoksongnyeong, iron fences are set up in all directions at a distance of 15 meters. By temporarily opening this gate, tourists and residents can see Seoksongnyeong up close and take photos.”
Yecheon-gun has decided to open the fence to move away from one-way viewing, where only the exterior of Seoksongnyeong could be seen from behind protective fences, and to create a two-way viewing experience where visitors become the main participants in enjoying cultural heritage and communicate with it.
Seoksongnyeong stands 10 meters tall with a circumference of 4.2 meters and boasts a long history of over 600 years. It is famous as a tree that owns property and pays taxes under its own name. The village uses Seoksongnyeong’s property to establish scholarships to support students.
Ha Mi-sook, head of the Cultural Tourism Division of the county, said, “Through the temporary opening of Seoksongnyeong, we hope to break away from cultural heritage policies that focus on regulation and protection and establish a friendly cultural heritage foundation together with the residents. Also, we hope this opportunity will be a time to understand the true value of the majestic old pine and foster a sense of ownership of cultural heritage.”
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