Muku Tree of Sadang-ri, Gangjin

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.35

Category

동식물

Designated year

1962

Location

강진군, 전라남도— 전남 강진군 대구면 사당리 51-1번지

Coordinates

34.508274, 126.805956

The muku tree grows in the warm areas along the western shore of Korea's mainland and the region of Gyeonggi-do. Because this tree is strong like pinus thunbergii and celtis sinensis, it is used as a shield against seawinds. This tree species is similar to celtis sinensis, and in some places, it is called Gaepaengnamu or Geompaengnamu. The Muku tree in Daegu-myeon is about 300 years old. It is 19 m tall with a girth of 9.7 m. It stands beside the road that leads to town. Though it is divided into six branches, it looks grand and beautiful. According to a legend, a woodcutter suddenly died right after he cut off a branch of this tree, and since then, people have believed this tree to be holy. Until 1960, people had performed sacrifical ceremonies for this tree in order to promote cooperation among the villagers. After 1960, however, the ceremony has since disappeared. The Muku tree in Daegu-myeo is known to be breathtaking and has been taken care of for a long time, particularly since it is valued for its biological properties. Therefore, it is designated and protected as a natural monument.

Location