Cheongwadae Bansong, Chinese Scholar Trees, and Dragon Willow to Be Designated as Natural Monuments

Cheongwadae's Old Trees to Be Designated as Natural Monuments on August 30
A New Phase for Cheongwadae: From Nokjiwon Sculpture Park to Expanded Cultural Use
"Close Consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to Preserve the Original Form"

Cheongwadae Nokjiwon Bansong

The pines (Bansong), Chinese scholar trees, and other trees located in the Nokjiwon garden of Cheongwadae are set to be designated as Natural Monuments. On August 24, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced at the 7th Natural Monument Subcommittee of the Cultural Heritage Committee, held at the National Palace Museum of Korea, that it would preliminarily designate six old and large trees (Nogesu) with outstanding historical and academic value as state-designated Natural Monuments on August 30. These trees will collectively be named the "Cheongwadae Nogesu-gun" (Cheongwadae Old Tree Group). The designated trees include one Bansong pine and three Chinese scholar trees in Nokjiwon, one Mongolian oak in Sangchunjae, and one dragon willow in the Willow Yard in front of Yeomin-gwan.

The Cultural Heritage Administration, in line with the opening of Cheongwadae to the public on May 10, conducted an investigation into the cultural value of these trees together with committee members and plant experts. They assessed the growth conditions of the old trees and collected literature and photographic materials. The historical significance of these trees, which have been protected for about 300 years through the rear garden of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Cheongwadae, was confirmed through various documents such as the "Gyeongguk Daejeon" (1485), "Doseong Naeoe Songmok Geumbeol Samok" (1469), "Gyeongseong Sigado" (1933), and "Gyeongmudae Official Residence Site Layout" (1938). A representative from the Cultural Heritage Administration explained, "The group of old trees has taken root and grown along the waterway that starts from Bugaksan, passes through Cheongwadae, and stretches all the way to Hyangwonjeong," adding, "Glass plate photographs taken in 1910 and 1928 show the trees in much the same form as today."

Sangchunjae Malchaenamu and Cheongwadae Nokjiwon Hwahwaenamu

The most widely known tree is the Bansong pine in Nokjiwon, estimated to be about 170 years old. Compared to other Bansong pines designated as Natural Monuments, this tree has a wider crown (the maximum width of branches and leaves) and a more beautiful form. A representative from the Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "It is a fitting representative old tree for Cheongwadae and is a representative natural heritage that has witnessed the key sites of Korea's modern and contemporary history." The three Chinese scholar trees lined along the border of the forest near Nokjiwon are the tallest among the trees in the forest. The representative added, "These are major species that allow us to estimate the original vegetation of the rear garden of Gyeongbokgung Palace. In terms of scale, they are comparable to the group of Chinese scholar trees at Changdeokgung Palace, and their growth condition is also excellent."

The Mongolian oak in Sangchunjae is a rare tree that has never before been designated as a Natural Monument. Its branches were traditionally used as horsewhips. The dragon willow has been cherished by the royal family since ancient times, symbolizing a dragon ascending to heaven. It is considered to have historical and biological rarity due to its association with the wetlands of the rear garden of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Cheongwadae Ancient Tree Military Scene

If the "Cheongwadae Nogesu-gun" is designated as a Natural Monument, the utilization of Cheongwadae could enter a new phase. This is because the designation of protected zones would establish the Cheongwadae area as a cultural space encapsulating historical significance. Previously, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced plans to transform outdoor spaces such as Nokjiwon into a sculpture park. The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "In accordance with the principle of preserving the original form, we are working closely with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism through policy councils and other channels to create a living, breathing Cheongwadae, and we plan to continue cooperating with each other."

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