Complaints of Damage to 'Wooyoungwoo Paengnamu' Tree Due to Tourist Visits... Investigation Finds "Not True"

Cultural Heritage Administration Determines Raised Complaints Unfounded
Preparing Measures Ahead of Natural Monument Designation Decision

Tourists continue to visit the area around the 'Changwon Bukburi Zelkova Tree' in Daesan-myeon, Uichang-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongnam. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Gunchan] The 'Wooyoungwoo Zelkova Tree' in Changwon, Gyeongnam, which gained fame as a landmark after appearing in the ENA drama 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' was reported to have been damaged by tourist foot traffic, but this claim has been confirmed to be false.

On the 3rd, the Cultural Heritage Administration and Changwon City held a countermeasure meeting at the Dongbu Village Hall in Daesan-myeon, Uichang-gu, Changwon, Gyeongnam, where the zelkova tree is located, to address the recently raised complaints. These organizations verified the facts regarding the claim that the leaves were drying up and the roots were damaged due to crowds visiting the tree. A Cultural Heritage Administration official explained, "As the number of visitors surged, we held today's meeting as a proactive response."

The verification concluded that the complaints were unfounded. The phenomenon of some leaves turning yellow and drying has been occurring since last year, and the claim that the roots were damaged by soil compaction (pressure from people stepping on the soil) was also judged to be untrue.

However, to prevent the value of the tree from being damaged ahead of its designation as a natural monument, countermeasures will be prepared and implemented. Previously, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced that it would conduct a natural monument designation investigation to assess the cultural heritage value of the zelkova tree.

First, protective fences will be installed around the tree, and three nearby benches will be removed for visitor convenience. Pest control measures will also be carried out to eliminate aphids and other pests found on the tree during this investigation. Additionally, plans include organizing the pathways around the tree and removing small stones near the tree.

The zelkova tree, which appeared in the broadcast episodes on the 20th and 21st of last month, has attracted significant attention. Many people from various regions are visiting Dongbu Village to see this tree. It is also reported that several side effects, such as illegal dumping of trash, have emerged due to the sudden influx of visitors.

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