Ginkgo Tree of Jangdeok-ri, Gangneung

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.166

Category

동식물

Designated year

1964

Location

강릉시, 강원특별자치도— 강원 강릉시 주문진읍 장덕리 643번지

Coordinates

37.877685, 128.783278

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 Jangdeok-ri is about 800 years old, with height of about 26m and girth of approximately 9.63m. This ginkgo tree is divided into 8 stalks. According to legend, there were lots of fruits on the ginkgo tree, but it gave off a strong, unpleasant smell. One day, an old monk happened to come across the ginkgo tree and put an amulet on the ginkgo tree because of the smell. Since then, this ginkgo tree has not produced fruits. As a matter of fact, this ginkgo tree is male and is not able to bear fruits. There are many female ginkgo trees in Korea, but the ginkgo tree of Jangdeok-ri stands out for being male. The ginkgo tree of Jangdeok-ri has been kept well by our ancestors for a long time. Biologically valuable, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.

Location