Seongdong-gu Delivers Early-Harvested Ginkgo Fruits to Seniors

From mid-October, 112 female ginkgo trees along Jungnangcheon Songjeong Embankment had their fruits harvested; heavy metal and pesticide residue tests all confirmed 'safe'... A total of 600kg of harvest donated to 165 senior centers, resolving odor and walking inconvenience while practicing neighborly love

Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeong Wono) announced that it has created a pleasant walking environment by early harvesting ginkgo fruits around the Songjeong embankment of Jungnangcheon Stream, while also practicing warm neighborly sharing.

Ginkgo trees are resistant to exhaust fumes, dust, and pollution from vehicles, and they have excellent air purification capabilities by absorbing harmful substances such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. They are also resistant to fire and pests, making them suitable as street trees. Nevertheless, the foul odor and residue from ginkgo fruits cause significant inconvenience to pedestrians and local residents.

Songjeongjebang-gil in Seongdong-gu (around Songjeong-dong 73-851) is known as one of Seoul’s representative autumn foliage paths, where 112 female ginkgo trees are planted. Although it is a popular autumn destination visited by many people every year, the ginkgo fruits sometimes cause unpleasant odors and obstruct passage.

Accordingly, the district office conducted a ginkgo fruit harvesting project for about 20 days from mid-October, before the fruit drop began, to resolve various inconveniences caused by the ginkgo fruits and create a pleasant walking environment.

A total of 600kg was harvested, and the district decided to donate all the harvested fruits to local senior centers for meaningful use. Prior to donation, heavy metal and pesticide residue tests were conducted, and all harvested fruits were deemed ‘safe.’

The harvest was delivered to 165 senior centers in the area on November 8, and the elderly expressed their gratitude for being able to share the warm sentiment of autumn together.

Jeong Wono, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “This ginkgo fruit harvesting project maintains the function of street trees while minimizing daily inconveniences such as foul odors, resulting in high resident satisfaction. We find it especially meaningful to share warm affection with the elderly, and we will continue to make meticulous efforts to create a pleasant street environment.”