Cheonnyeonhyang in Seocho-gu Cleansed for 'Law Day'

Symbol of the Asia-Pacific Judicial Justice Hub

The landmark 'Cheonnyeonhyang' at Seocho Intersection in Seoul has been cleansed of accumulated grime. Cheonnyeonhyang, estimated to be 900 years old, is a Seoul-designated protected tree and serves as a symbol of Seocho-gu's 'Asia-Pacific Judicial Justice Hub'.

Cleansing scene of the incense cedar 'Cheonnyeonhyang'. Provided by Seocho-gu.

Seocho-gu (headed by District Mayor Jeon Seongsoo) announced on the 25th that it had carried out a cleansing operation on Cheonnyeonhyang, located in the central green space at Seocho Station Intersection, on the 24th. This operation was organized both to rejuvenate the tree, which had been covered in vehicle exhaust and fine dust throughout the winter, and as a symbolic event to commemorate 'Law Day' on April 25th.

The cleansing was conducted by professional tree management technicians, who trimmed the branches and used an aerial work vehicle to safely access the tree crown and wash away fine dust and pollutants. Additional work was also carried out to supplement the tree's ability to absorb nutrients and moisture, considering its age.

The area around Seocho Station is a representative legal cluster in South Korea, home to the court, the prosecutor's office, and the Korean Bar Association. The district is leveraging this infrastructure to develop into a global center for judicial justice, similar to The Hague in the Netherlands.

In March of last year, the area was designated and officially announced as the 'Asia-Pacific Judicial Justice Hub'. In July, a proclamation ceremony for the 'Judicial Justice Hub' was held, and in November, an academic conference was organized with the participation of about 200 legal professionals and residents. These efforts are laying the foundation for Seocho-gu to become a central hub for judicial justice in the Asia-Pacific region.

In December, an awards ceremony for the 'Seocho Station Incense Cedar Theme Art Contest' was held, providing an opportunity to remember the value of Cheonnyeonhyang and to reflect on the values and symbolism of judicial justice. In addition, to break away from the rigid image of 'law' and make it more accessible to the general public, the district is also operating judicial field trip programs and practical legal lectures in cooperation with the Supreme Court, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, and other institutions.

District Mayor Jeon Seongsoo stated, "Cheonnyeonhyang has stood as a witness to history as the Seocho Station Intersection area has developed into a center of law and justice. On the occasion of Law Day, I hope this will be a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the significance of Cheonnyeonhyang, which has stood its ground for so many years, and to reaffirm the spirit of upholding law and order."

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