Red Leaf Willow of Jongdeok-ri, Gimje

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.296

Category

동식물

Designated year

1982

Location

김제시, 전북특별자치도— 전북 김제시 봉남면 종덕리 299-1번지 7필

Coordinates

35.740782, 126.961180

Red Leaf Willow belongs to the willow family. Distributed in Japan, China, and Korea, it is called Wangbeodeul (king willow) because the tree has wide leaves and is relatively tall compared to other willow trees. It is used as windbreak and arbor tree. Red Leaf Willow of Jongdeok-ri is about 300 years old, with height of 12m and girth of 8.8m. Its branches are spread on all sides. Since the center of the tree is rotten, it looks as if it has no main trunk. The tree serves as a resting place and has long been worshipped by the local community as a village guardian. Some villagers believe that something will happen if the branches of the tree are cut off. On March 3rd and July 7th according to the lunar calendar, they pay homage to it and engage in Pungmul nori (traditional music festival) to pray for peace and prosperity. Since the red leaf willow of Jongdeok-ri, Gimje has lived under the attention and care of our ancestors for a long time and is highly valuable, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.

Location