Northernmost Population of Common Camellias on Daecheongdo Island, Ongjin

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.66

Category

동식물

Designated year

1962

Location

옹진군, 인천광역시— 인천광역시 옹진군 대청면 대청리 산 267-1

Coordinates

37.817788, 124.685402

Camellias are distributed throughout Japan, China, and Korea. In Korea they grow mainly in the south coast area and on nearby islands. Although they usually blossom in early spring, camellias are also called “spring Camellias,” “fall Camellias,” or “winter Camellias” depending the season in which they blossom. Due to the warm ocean current, camellias grow well in the natural habitat in Daecheongdo Island. According to a record dated some 60 years ago, there were 147 Camellias with a diameter of over 20cm as well as some large ones measuring 3m in height and 27cm in diameter. However, nowadays, it is difficult to find large camellias, as the number of trees was drastically reduced all over the country due to illegal gathering. The natural habitat in Daecheongdo Island marks the northernmost extension of camellias. Since it is an important material for academic research, it has been designated as Natural Monument (No. 66).

Location