Gwangju Buk-gu, 10th Anniversary Event for the Designation of Wangbeodeul as a Natural Monument

Gwangju's Only Natural Monument Ancient Willow Tree Prayed for Health and Longevity

Willow Tree Ritual, Offering Ceremony, and Forum Held as Commemorative Events

[Gwangju Buk-gu=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Gwangju Buk-gu (District Mayor Moon In) announced on the 15th that it will hold the ‘10th Anniversary of the Designation of the Wangbeodeul (Weeping Willow) as a Natural Monument and the 233rd Anniversary of the Naming of Chunghyo-ri’ event at 10 a.m. on the 16th at the Wangbeodeul cluster in Chunghyo Village, Chunghyo-dong.

The Wangbeodeul cluster in Chunghyo-dong was designated as a natural monument (No. 539) on October 5, 2012, the only one in Gwangju. It is an old tree planted to commemorate the birth of General Kim Deokryeong and is also called the ‘Kim Deokryeong Tree.’

Chunghyo Village has a history where King Jeongjo bestowed the village name ‘Chunghyo (Loyalty and Filial Piety)’ by royal decree and erected a Jeongryebi (memorial stele) so that the people would remember the filial piety and loyalty of the three Kim Deokryeong brothers and Lady Lee, who joined the righteous army during the Imjin War.

This year, events such as the Wangbeodeul prayer ritual wishing for the health and longevity of the willows and the harmony of the village, the naming ceremony (offering ritual), and a discussion on the development direction of Chunghyo Village are scheduled to take place.

District Mayor Moon In said, “This event is a meaningful occasion to inherit and develop the village’s history and natural heritage,” adding, “We will continue to cherish and preserve the value of Chunghyo Village and the Wangbeodeul, where the history of the region is deeply rooted.”

Gwangju Buk-gu=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong bong2910@asiae.co.kr

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