Largest Salix Koreensis Colony in Korea to Become a Natural Heritage Site

Gochang Samtae Village Forest
to Be Designated as a Natural Monument
A Sacred Forest Created to Protect the Village
Recognized for Its Historical and Symbolic Value

The largest colony of Salix koreensis (Korean willow) in the country will become a natural heritage site.

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on June 26 that it plans to designate the 'Gochang Samtae Village Forest' in Hagori, Seongsong-myeon, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do as a Natural Monument. The final decision on the designation will be made after a one-month period for collecting public opinion and a review by the Natural Heritage Committee.

This forest was created by local residents along approximately 800 meters of the Samtaecheon Stream to protect the village from various natural disasters. According to tradition, trees such as Salix koreensis, Zelkova, Celtis, Pinus thunbergii, and Quercus acutissima were planted on both banks of the stream to prevent the boat-shaped village from being swept away, as interpreted through geomancy. The Cultural Heritage Administration explained, "The forest has been considered sacred and protected by the villagers, who believed that its destruction would bring great disaster to the community."

The forest can be found in maps dating back to the 19th century. It is depicted in the 'Jeollado Mujanghyeondo', a map estimated to have been made before 1835, indicating that it was already recognized as a symbol at that time.

The forest is also renowned for its harmonious landscape, blending with the surrounding streams, farmland, and trees. It features a spectacular view with 224 trees of various species, including ninety-five old Salix koreensis trees, each over 10 meters tall and with a trunk circumference exceeding 3 meters. The Cultural Heritage Administration assessed it as "a natural heritage site of high symbolic value, combining the faith and identity of the village community."