Retusa Fringe Tree of Jungsan-ri, Gochang

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.183

Category

동식물

Designated year

1967

Location

고창군, 전북특별자치도— 전북 고창군 대산면 중산리 313-1번지

Coordinates

35.359907, 126.595948

Retusa fringe tree is named “Ipamnamu” in Korean. There are two folk origins about the name of the tree. Some say, the name “Ibap,” literally meaning "rice," stemmed from the fact that its white blossoms resemble cooked rice. Others say, it once had the name “Iphamok” in Korean (a tree growing in early summer), since this tree blossoms when summer starts. This name was changed to “Ipamnamu”. The Retusa Fringe Tree of Jungsan-ri, Gochang is about 250 years old and 10.5m tall. The tree has been damaged by air pollution. According to legend, the tree usually grows in a place with lots of water so the villagers say that the blossoms of the tree foretell the year's harvest. As a result of long observation through experience, the legend seems to be true. Since the Retusa Fringe Tree of Jungsan-ri, Gochang is biologically valuable and has been under our ancestors' care and protection, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.

Location