Namha Yedam Village in Sancheong: Married Pagoda Trees Selected as '2025 Tree of the Year'

Great Response to the Symbolism of Concession and Consideration
20 Million Won in Green Fund Incentives, etc.

The couple of pagoda trees located in Namsa Yedamchon, Danseong-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam, have been selected as the "2025 Tree of the Year" by the Korea Forest Service.

According to Sancheong-gun on the 17th, the couple pagoda trees achieved the honor of being selected in the general old tree category after being reviewed and voted on among 61 protected and general old trees submitted nationwide.

This selection event was organized to raise national interest in protected and old trees distributed throughout the country and to lay the foundation for developing them as local tourism resources.

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The evaluation was conducted by combining document reviews and on-site inspections by a panel of experts, assessing ecological value, timeliness, cultural resources, management, and designation requirements, as well as a public online vote. Five trees were selected in each of the two categories: protected trees and general old trees.

In the general old tree category, the following were selected along with the Sancheong couple pagoda trees: a pine tree in Jeongseon, Gangwon; an Ipop tree in Gochang, Jeonbuk; a willow tree in Boeun, Chungbuk; and a crape myrtle in Jindo, Jeonnam.

In particular, the Sancheong couple pagoda trees received great acclaim from both the judging panel and the public for their symbolism of concession and consideration, as represented by the shapes of the two trees. The pagoda trees standing in front of the Lee family's old house in Namsa Yedamchon have preserved 320 years of history, twisting their trunks to yield sunlight to each other, embodying sacrifice. This delivers the virtues of concession and consideration to a society rife with conflict and discord.

With the selection as Tree of the Year, Sancheong-gun will receive 20 million won in green funds for environmental improvement and promotion, and plans to enhance visitor experiences by maintaining Namsa Yedamchon and improving facilities around the trees.

Governor Lee Seunghwa said, "We will continue to protect and enhance the value of beautiful old trees through ongoing management of protected and old trees in the region, including the couple pagoda trees."