Ginkgo Tree of Eumnae-ri, Goesan

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.165

Category

동식물

Designated year

1964

Location

괴산군, 충청북도— 충북 괴산군 청안면 청안읍내로3길 8, (청안초등학교 내) (읍내리)

Coordinates

36.772579, 127.639208

A ginkgo tree can be as old as a fossil. Introduced along with Confucianism and Buddhism from China, ginkgo trees are found in Japan, China, and Korea. The ginkgo tree has beautiful leaves in fall, undamaged by harmful insects, and provides large, cool shade. Therefore, it is often planted as arbor or roadside tree. The ginkgo tree of Eumnae-ri is about 1000 years old, with height of about 16.4m and girth of approximately 7.35m. At present, the ginkgo tree is located in Cheongan Elementary School. It has spread quite nicely, although its branches were cut off and the tips of some branches were dead. During the reign of King Seongjong of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), a county headman made a pond and named Cheongdang meaning "blue pond.” The present ginkgo tree is presumed to be the only surviving one. The villagers have kept this ginkgo tree to honor the benevolent rule of the county headman. According to legend, an eared snake living inside this tree is said to punish the person who hurts the tree. The ginkgo tree of Eumnae-ri has been preserved well by our ancestors. Biologically valuable, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.

Location