Ginkgo Tree of Bangye-ri, Wonju

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.167

Category

동식물

Designated year

1964

Location

원주시, 강원특별자치도— 강원 원주시 문막읍 반계리 1495-1번지

Coordinates

37.294207, 127.788424

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 Bangye-ri is about 800~1,000 years old, with height of about 32m and girth of approximately 16.27m. The branches of the tree spread nicely and make for a magnificent sight. There are some stories regarding this ginkgo tree. First, one of Seongju Yi's family planted and raised this ginkgo tree, and one day Seongju Yi disappeared. Second, one monk put his walking stick into the ground, and it has grown into the ginkgo tree. According to another story, a white snake lives in the ginkgo tree, so the ginkgo tree is considered to be a sacred one. As such, no one is able to do harm to the ginkgo tree. Lastly, it is believed that the villagers will have a rich harvest that year when the leaves of the ginkgo tree flourish in fall. The ginkgo tree of Bangye-ri has been kept well by our ancestors for a long time. Biologically valuable, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.

Location