Part of the Designated Area of 'Baegunsan Chiljokryeong' Destroyed
A wildfire that started in Sancheong, Gyeongnam, spread to part of Okjong-myeon, Hadong, burning the 'Hadong Duyang-ri Ginkgo Tree,' a Gyeongsangnam-do monument. According to the Cultural Heritage Administration on the 28th, some branches remain, but a significant portion has been broken or burned.
The Hadong Duyang-ri Ginkgo Tree, measuring 27 meters in height and 9.3 meters in circumference, is estimated to be about 900 years old. It is said to have been planted by Goryeo general Gang Mincheom (963?1021), and villagers have revered it as sacred even before it was designated as a provincial monument in 1983. The information board states, "It is believed that if one prays sincerely to this tree, their wishes will come true, so villagers often visit."
The shrine dedicated to General Gang Mincheom, Dubangjae in Okjong-myeon, Hadong, also suffered damage, with two annex buildings completely burned down. It is presumed that the fire spread to Hadong, causing damage similar to that of the Duyang-ri Ginkgo Tree.
According to the Cultural Heritage Administration, as of 5 p.m., three national heritage sites have been damaged by wildfires that occurred across the country on the 22nd and 23rd. Two cases involved direct damage to national heritage sites, and one involved surrounding damage. By region, there were two cases in Gyeongnam and one in Gangwon. In Gangwon, a wildfire in Jeongseon partially destroyed the designated area of the scenic site 'Baegunsan Chiljokryeong.' The wildfire has now been contained.
The Cultural Heritage Administration is operating a disaster safety situation room and monitoring the situation. An official stated, "We plan to establish an emergency restoration plan and consider urgent repair fund support related to the damaged national heritage sites."
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