900-Year-Old "Cheongju Apgaksu" to Be Designated as a Natural Monument

The Ginkgo Tree That Saved Scholar Lee Saek in Late Goryeo
23.5 Meters Tall, 8.5 Meters in Circumference

Cheongju Apgaksu

A ginkgo tree located in Jungang Park in downtown Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, will be designated as a Natural Monument. Known as "Cheongju Apgaksu," this tree is approximately 900 years old, stands 23.5 meters tall, and has a circumference of 8.5 meters measured at about 1.2 meters above ground level.

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on November 26 that the Natural Heritage Committee recently approved the designation of Cheongju Apgaksu as a Natural Monument during a meeting of the Flora and Fauna Heritage Subcommittee.

"Apgaksu" is one of the names used for ginkgo trees. However, among the various nicknames for ginkgo trees, only this particular tree has been continuously called "Apgaksu." This is due to an anecdote recorded in the early Joseon geography book "Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam."

In 1390, military officials Yun Yi and Lee Cho falsely accused Lee Seonggye's faction of planning to invade Ming China. This incident is known as the "Imprisonment of Lee Cho" or the "Lee Cho Rebellion." After it was revealed to be a false accusation, several scholars, including the renowned late Goryeo scholar Lee Saek (1328-1396), were imprisoned.

"Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam" recounts the story that "about ten virtuous officials, including Lee Saek, were imprisoned in Cheongju due to false accusations, but when a great flood occurred, they climbed the Apgaksu tree and escaped harm." Upon hearing this, the king believed that the heavens had proven their innocence and ordered their release.

In addition, this ginkgo tree appears in various historical documents and maps such as the "Cheongju Eupseongdo" map. An expert who participated in the designation survey evaluated that the tree has sufficient historical basis and value.

Currently, 25 ginkgo trees have been designated as Natural Monuments, including the ginkgo tree at Munmyo in Seoul, the ginkgo tree at Yongmunsa in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, and the ginkgo tree at Banggye-ri in Wonju, Gangwon Province.

The Cultural Heritage Administration plans to finalize its internal review and soon announce the designation of Cheongju Apgaksu as a Natural Monument in the official gazette.

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