Oldest Alder Tree in South Korea Uprooted
by Torrential Rain and Winds in Northern Gyeonggi
Restoration Deemed Impossible,
Natural Monument Status to Be Revoked
In northern Gyeonggi Province, torrential downpours resulted in the uprooting of the oldest alder tree in South Korea, which was over 230 years old.
According to Yonhap News on July 23, around 1 a.m. that day, authorities in Pocheon City and the fire department received a report that an alder tree in Chogari, Gwanin-myeon, Pocheon-si, had been uprooted and fallen due to strong winds and heavy rain. By the time Pocheon City officials arrived at the scene, the tree's base had already snapped, and the steel support that had been holding the tree upright had also collapsed.
The Chogari alder tree, which stood 21 meters tall and had a circumference of 3.4 meters, was recognized as the oldest alder tree in South Korea, being over 230 years old. It was considered highly rare due to its height, base circumference, crown width, and age, and it had also maintained its unique shape. As a veteran tree with significant natural, academic, and scenic value, it was designated as Natural Monument No. 555 in September 2019 in recognition of its historical significance. Located in a field in front of Chogari village, the tree had served as a communal resting place for residents, much like a pavilion tree.
The alder tree is closely associated with traditional Korean culture, as it has been used to make wooden geese carried by grooms during traditional wedding ceremonies, Hahoe masks, wooden clogs, and wooden cores for lacquerware.
In the early morning of the 23rd, a alder tree in Chogari, Gwanin-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi Province was uprooted and fallen due to strong winds and heavy rain. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Pocheon City and the Cultural Heritage Administration have already concluded that restoration of the alder tree is not possible, as its roots have been completely severed. A Pocheon City official told Yonhap News, "If even part of the roots were still connected or alive, restoration might have been possible, but currently all the roots are cut off," adding, "We have determined that restoration is not possible and are discussing follow-up measures."
The Cultural Heritage Administration plans to revoke the tree's designation as a natural monument and announced that a consolation ceremony will be held next week, inviting local residents.
Meanwhile, more than 100 mm of heavy rain fell in northern Gyeonggi Province that day. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, cumulative precipitation at major locations in Gyeonggi Province from midnight to 6 a.m. was as follows: Pocheon 147.5 mm, Dongducheon 124.5 mm, Yeoncheon 115.5 mm, and Paju 108 mm.
Pocheon Chogari Alder Tree (Photo by Pocheon City Website)
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