Forest of Common Camellias in Maryang-ri, Seocheon

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.169

Category

동식물

Designated year

1965

Location

서천군, 충청남도— 충남 서천군 서면 마량리 산14번지

Coordinates

36.136744, 126.493929

The Camellia has lustrous, thick leaves and blooms red flowers in early spring. The Camellia grows in Japan, China, and Korea. Depending on the blossoming season, this tree is called "Camellia in spring," "Camellia in fall," or "Camellia in winter." The Camellia in Maryang-ri stands on the hill about 4.5km from Seodo Elementary School. On the upper part of the hill is a pavilion called Dongbaekjeong (Camellia pavilion) where more than 80 Camellias grow together. This Camellia is rather small and is divided into 2~3 branches. The Camellia forest was formed to protect the village against strong winds. According to legend, about 300 years ago, a government servant living in this region dreamed that he saw a bunch of flowers on the sea. After waking up, he went to the sea and actually found the flowers, so he planted them. The flowers became this forest of common camellias and the villagers perform a ceremony for this forest for a big catch and good luck every January by the lunar calendar. Being the northernmost habitat, the Forest of Common Camellias in Maryang-ri is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.

Location