Cultural Heritage Spotlighted Amid "The Man Who Lives with the King" Craze... Discovering Traces of Prince Geumseong in Gyeongbuk and Seoul

Moves to Designate Yeongju and Gyeongju Ginkgo Trees as National Forest Cultural Assets

Eunpyeong-gu Launches Geumseongdang Exhibitions and Guided Programs

The Story of Prince Geumseong, Symbol of Loyalty, Gains Wider Recognition

Connecting Forest Heritage and Folk Beliefs

Gyeongbuk Province is moving to designate ginkgo trees imbued with the historical narratives of Deposed King Danjong and Prince Geumseong—stories that have been revisited following the release of the film "The Man Who Lives with the King"—as National Forest Cultural Assets. In addition, Eunpyeong-gu in Seoul is running exhibitions and guided programs themed around Prince Geumseong, drawing increased attention to related cultural heritage.

On March 20, Yonhap News reported that Gyeongbuk Province is pursuing the new designation of the ginkgo tree in Naejuk-ri, Sunheung-myeon, Yeongju-si and the ginkgo tree of Ungok Seowon in Wangsin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju-si as National Forest Cultural Assets. These assets, designated by the Korea Forest Service, refer to tangible or intangible forest-related assets with high ecological, scenic, or emotional value.

The ginkgo tree in Naejuk-ri, Sunheung-myeon, Yeongju, is said to hold the spirit of Prince Geumseong, who died in loyalty while attempting to restore King Danjong to the throne. According to "Seongho Saseol," a work by the late Joseon Dynasty silhak scholar Seongho Yi Ik, there is a record that the tree, which had withered after Danjong's dethronement, revived after an altar was built. Since then, residents have revered the tree, associating it with Danjong's resurrection, and it has been regarded as a symbol of the area since being designated a protected tree in 1982.

The ginkgo tree of Ungok Seowon in Wangsin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju, was also designated a protected tree in the same year. This tree is known to have been planted by Kwon Jongrak, a descendant of Kwon Sanhae, who sacrificed himself alongside Prince Geumseong in the attempt to restore Danjong, using a branch from the Naejuk-ri ginkgo tree. The site is especially famous for its golden scenery in autumn when the seowon and its surroundings are covered in ginkgo leaves. Through this designation effort, Gyeongbuk Province also aims to vitalize forest tourism based on these historical stories.

Not only Gyeongbuk Province but also Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, is operating programs that highlight Prince Geumseong's spirit of loyalty and folk beliefs. Eunpyeong-gu has been holding related exhibitions and guided programs at Geumseongdang, a national folk cultural heritage site in Jingwan-dong, since March 17. Prince Geumseong, the sixth son of King Sejong, was executed for attempting to restore Danjong to the throne and later became a symbol of loyalty and a deified figure in popular folk belief. Geumseongdang houses a shamanic painting dedicated to Prince Geumseong, allowing visitors to explore the formation of his cult and its historical significance. The guided program is conducted every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m., focusing on the history and folk significance of Geumseongdang as a cultural heritage site. In addition, a special exhibition titled "Hello, Geumseongdang" is being held at the Eunpyeong History Hanok Museum until April 12, along with onsite exploration programs.