Gwangyangeupsu Grove and Retusa Fringe Trees

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.235

Category

동식물

Designated year

1971

Location

광양시, 전라남도— 전남 광양시 광양읍 인동리 193-1번지

Coordinates

34.970242, 127.591796

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”. In some places, there is a saying that, when this tree is in full blossom, there will be a good harvest. The age of the retusa fringe in Yudang Park is not known. It has height of 18m and girth of 3.42m. This tree has a branch divided into two in the middle and generally has a beautiful appearance. Compared to other retusa fringe, it has a balanced figure. Yudang Park was built in Gwangyangeupseong Walled Town during the reign of King Jungjong. The trees were planted for the purpose of hiding the fortress from the sea. Though the fortress has now disappeared, many trees that were planted there, such as zelkovas and chionanthus retusa, still grow. One of them is the very kind. Although all of these trees were planted for military purposes, this place has also suffered a lot of damage from typhoons, so the trees have played an important role as windbreak. This must be one of the reasons the forest has been protected well. Since the trees in Yudang Park, Gwangyang have been under our ancestors' care and protection and are also biologically valuable, they are designated and protected as a Natural Monument.

Location