Korean Dendropanax of Jeongja-ri, Wando

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.479

Category

동식물

Designated year

2007

Location

완도군, 전라남도— 전남 완도군 보길면 보길로 645-20 (정자리)

Coordinates

34.164680, 126.518834

This is the biggest and oldest known Dendropanax in Korea. The tree produces resinous sap of a brilliant golden color, which is highly prized as a luxurious coating material that was mostly used on palace wares in the old days. Records about “yellow lacquer” (hwangchil) appear in many historical documents including Samguk sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), Goryeosa (History of Goryeo) and Jeongjo sillok (Annals of King Jeongjo). Especially, the yellow lacquer coating produced in Jeongja-ri, Bogil-myeon, Wando, was reputed as a special local product, and is still produced to this day. The local residents believe this tree has divine powers. As it is a useful industrial resource, the tree is carefully tended as a valuable historic and cultural asset.

Location