Exiled Criminal-Pressuring Ancient Tree to Become a Natural Monument

Buyeo Seokseongdongheon Tangerine Tree Recognized for Historical Significance
Paengnamu Tree in Gunsan Hajemaeul, Which Served as a Boundary Marker, Also Acknowledged

Two ancient trees that have long shared the village and its history are becoming nationally designated natural heritage natural monuments.

Pan Tree Scenery in Haje Village, Gunsan

On the 7th, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced the preliminary designation of the 'Gunsan Haje Village Zelkova Tree' and the 'Buyeo Seokseongdongheon Quince Tree' as nationally designated natural heritage natural monuments. After collecting opinions from various sectors for a month and undergoing a review by the Natural Heritage Committee, the final designation will be confirmed.

The Gunsan Haje Village Zelkova Tree is located in Haje Village, Okseo-myeon, Gunsan City. Originally an island, it was connected to the mainland through reclamation projects in the early 1900s. At one time, the area was bustling with military facilities, but now even the residents have left, leaving only this tree to guard the village alone.

An official from the Cultural Heritage Administration explained, "In the past, it served as a mooring post (繫船柱) where boats were tied. It has witnessed the village's prosperity when a port was established and trains arrived, as well as the current state where villagers have gradually left, steadfastly protecting Haje Village throughout."

Its age was measured at 537 (±50) years in 2020 using a growth cone (生長錐). This is the oldest among Zelkova trees in Korea. Its size is also considerable, standing 20 meters tall with a circumference of 7.5 meters at chest height.

The Cultural Heritage Administration official added, "The branches split north and south at 3 meters above the tree base. Its oval-shaped canopy spreads beautifully against the backdrop of the plains."

Scenery of the Tangja Tree at Seokseong Dongheon, Buyeo

The Buyeo Seokseongdongheon Quince Tree is located to the right of the inner gate of Seokseongdongheon, the government office in Seokseonghyeon. It is the only ancient quince tree remaining in a local government office building from the Joseon Dynasty.

The quince tree has traditionally been useful in Korean daily life. It is mentioned in Joseon-era literature such as Hong Man-seon's Sanlim Gyeongje, Choi Rip's Gani Jip, and Heo Jun's Donguibogam as being used for fences, military purposes, and medicinal ingredients.

According to Sanlim Gyeongje, exiled criminals were subjected to a punishment called wiri anchi (圍籬安置), which involved being confined within a thorny fence around the residence in the government office. The tree mainly used for this fence was the quince tree. An official from the Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "Since it is located on the northeast side of the government office where criminals were confined and punished, it is presumed to have had symbolic significance."

The tree is very large, measuring 4.8 meters in height and 6.8 meters in width. Its branches are evenly developed in all four directions?east, west, south, and north?making it quite elegant. The Cultural Heritage Administration official said, "Judging by the fruiting condition and leaf size, its growth condition also appears to be good."