Population of Castor Aralias in Sinbang-ri, Changwon

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.164

Category

동식물

Designated year

1964

Location

창원시, 경상남도— 경남 창원시 의창구 동읍 신방리 652번지

Coordinates

35.288305, 128.678001

Carstor Aralia is called eumnamu or eomnamu in Korea. It grows in Korea, Japan, China, and Manchuria. Its soft leaves can be eaten as an herb salad, and its spiny branch is believed to ward off evil spirits. In the olden days, Korean people made a hexagonal toy with this tree and gave it to their child because they believed that this toy will protect their child from evil spirits. This Korean custom is called “eum”. This is the reason why Carstor Aralia is called “eumnamu” in Korea. “Namu” means tree in Korean. There are 5 Carstor Aralias on this hill, which is behind Sinbang Elementary School. The height of these trees is about 15.4m, and the girth of the tallest tree is 3.6m, while others have girth of approximately 3.2m. These trees are presumed to be 400 years old. The Carstor Aralias have been preserved well and has long been worshipped by the local community as a village guardian. The Population of Carstor Aralias in Sinbang-ri is designated and conserved as a Natural Monument because of its historical value as folk and cultural data.

Location