Trifoliate Orange of Gapgot-ri, Ganghwa

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.78

Category

동식물

Designated year

1962

Location

강화군, 인천광역시— 인천광역시 강화군 강화읍 갑곳리 1015

Coordinates

37.734367, 126.516543

Trifoliate orange trees are found in the southeastern area of Korea, and are thought to have been introduced to both Korea and Japan from China. The seeds and fruit of the tree are used as medical substances. Because these trees have many thorns, they are planted to form protective fences around orchards. The trifoliate orange tree in Gapgot-ri is about 400 years old, stands 4.2m tall, and has a girth of 2.12m. It is located beside the Ganghwa War Museum. Gangwha-do is the island to which King Gojong (r. 1213-1259) of the Goryeo Dynasty fled from the Mongolian army, and where King Injo (r. 1623-1649) of Joseon Dynasty fled during the first Manchu invasion of Korea in 1627. It was during this period that many trifoliate oranges were planted beneath the walls of fortresses as a symbol of protection against foreign invasion. As such, it is probable that this trifoliate orange tree was planted around that time. The trifoliate orange tree in Gapgot-ri is historically important because it was planted to protect against foreign invasion. The tree is also significant as it marks the northernmost habitat of the species. It has been designated as Natural Monument (No. 78).

Location