Neutinamu Tree in Soho-ri, Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun Designated as National Forest Cultural Asset

The Second National Forest Cultural Asset in Ulsan
Following the Designation of the Soho-ri Oak Forest in 2023

Ulsan Ulju-gun announced on the 7th that the Zelkova tree at Soho Branch School playground located in Soho-ri, Sangbuk-myeon has been designated as a National Forest Cultural Asset.

The National Forest Cultural Asset is designated by the Korea Forest Service to protect and manage tangible and intangible assets related to forests that have significant ecological, scenic, and emotional value worth preserving.

The designation process is conducted based on applications from local governments and regional forest services, followed by expert pre-consultations and historical verification.

Earlier, on the 24th of last month, the Korea Forest Service designated and announced the Zelkova tree in Soho-ri, Sangbuk-myeon as a National Forest Cultural Asset. Following the designation of the Soho-ri Oak Forest in 2023, this is the second National Forest Cultural Asset designated in Ulsan.

The Soho-ri Zelkova tree is a precious forest asset that holds the history and culture of Soho Branch School and the village community. Its age is estimated to be around 400 years, and among the villagers, it is said to be over 500 years old.

This Zelkova tree is not just a simple tree but has been regarded as the spiritual center of the village and a member of the community. Villagers conduct a traditional ritual under the Zelkova tree every year to pray for the village’s well-being and prosperity, passing down its significance through generations.

In particular, Soho Branch School, where the Zelkova tree stands, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023 and continues its history and tradition as a small school. Soho Village has grown from 110 households in 2010 to 300 households currently, becoming a model for revitalizing village communities in Korea, attracting numerous visits and experience applications.

An official from Ulju-gun stated, “The designation of the Soho-ri Zelkova tree as a National Forest Cultural Asset is expected to re-highlight the historical value of the village community, boost local residents’ pride, and serve as an opportunity for regional revitalization through cultural tourism. We will do our best to discover and protect precious local forest cultural assets.”

Neutinamu Tree in Soho-ri, Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun Designated as National Forest Cultural Asset.

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