Korean Box Tree of Yeongneung Royal Tomb, Yeoju

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.459

Category

동식물

Era

약 300여년 (수령)

Designated year

2005

Location

여주시, 경기도— 경기도 여주시 영릉로 327 (능서면)

Coordinates

37.311066, 127.610245

Korean Box Tree is located in Yeongneung, the tomb of King Hyojong (r.1649-1659), 17th king of the Joseon Dynasty, and his wife, Queen Inseon (1618-1674). The tomb was originally located west of Geonwolleung (tomb of Yi Seong-gye, founder of Joseon) in Yangju but was moved to its current location in 1673 (the 14th year of reign of King Hyeonjong). It is famous for its clan memorial hall (jaesil), which is considered the best building of the Joseon Dynasty for its beautiful spatial planning. The historical value of the memorial hall is enhanced by the old box tree as well as a juniper tree and a zelkova tree, which, at more than 500 years old, is older than the building. The box tree is an evergreen with thick, oval-shaped leaves, flowers that bloom from April to May, and brown fruit that ripens from June to July. It grows naturally in limestone areas in the northern part of Gyeongsangbuk-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, Gangwon-do, and Hwanghae-do. Since it is a small low-growing tree, it is unusual to see one as large as this tree by the clan memorial hall in Yeongneung. As such, this box tree not only has great biological importance but is also an interesting historical item, having stood in the Tomb Keeper's House at Yeongneung Royal Tomb, Yeoju, which was built in 1673, for more than 300 years.

Location