Jangsan Mountain's Red Maple Trees to Become a Natural Monument

Drama and Movie Frequent Appearance: The Zelkova Tree of Buyeo Garimseong

Maple trees with autumn foliage in Naejangsan

The maple tree in Naejangsan, Jeongeup, Jeonbuk, and the zelkova tree in Garimseong, Buyeo, Chungnam, will be designated as national natural monuments.

On the 2nd, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced the preliminary designation of the 290-year-old "Jeongeup Naejangsan Maple Tree" located in Geumseon Valley of Naejangsan and the 400-year-old "Buyeo Garimseong Zelkova Tree" at the summit of Garimseong as natural monuments. Opinions from various sectors will be collected for a month, and the final decision will be made after review by the Cultural Heritage Committee.

This is the first time a single maple tree has been designated as a natural monument. Previously, maple trees near Munsusa Temple in Gochang were designated as a natural monument as a forest. The zelkova tree is the nineteenth to be designated, following the long-leaf zelkova trees in Dogye-ri, Samcheok, and Singi-ri, Cheongsong.

Aerial Photo of Jeongeup Maple Trees

The Jeongeup Naejangsan Maple Tree measures 16.87 meters in height, 20.32 meters (east-west) and 18.10 meters (north-south) in width, with a base circumference of 1.13 meters and a breast height circumference of 0.94 meters. It is the largest maple tree in Naejangsan. Although it has taken root in a harsh environment with steep slopes and many rocks, its condition is good and its form is majestic. It is highly valued for its natural scenery and academic significance. The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "It is a symbolic tree that creates the autumn foliage scenery of Naejangsan," adding, "There is a legend that a mountain spirit, moved by a son searching for his lost mother, made many trees turn red."

Buyeo Garimseong Zelkova Tree

The Buyeo Garimseong Zelkova Tree, made famous by dramas such as "God's Gift" and "Seodongyo," stands 22 meters tall, with a width of 20.2 meters (east-west) and 23.5 meters (north-south), and a breast height circumference of 5.4 meters. It offers a beautiful view from the site of the south gate at the summit of Garimseong, which was built in the 23rd year of King Dongseong of Baekje (501 AD). Although the roots are exposed in a plate-like shape due to strong winds, its growth condition is relatively good. The Cultural Heritage Administration explained, "Although smaller in scale than other zelkova trees designated as natural monuments, it is healthy and intact, harmonizing well with the surrounding scenery."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.