Shall We Visit Centuries-Old Ginkgo Trees Steeped in Beautiful Legends This Autumn?

12 Ancient Ginkgo Tree Sites in North Gyeongsang Province
Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Organization Selects Notable Attractions

The Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization, led by President Kim Nam-il, selected 12 notable ancient ginkgo trees in North Gyeongsang Province as the October theme of its monthly “Travel in Gyeongbuk Through Photos” series, which highlights places ideal for strolling and enjoying the autumn atmosphere as the weather turns cool in early autumn. The organization announced the selection on October 18.

In October, the pleasant autumn breeze blowing in the mornings and evenings marks the beginning of a spectacular transformation, as the mountains and fields of North Gyeongsang Province start to turn a riot of colors. The province’s ancient ginkgo trees, which have silently borne witness to hundreds of years of history, are awe-inspiring in their majestic presence and each hold deep histories and legends of their own.

Ancient Ginkgo Tree at Ungok Seowon in Gyeongju

The ancient ginkgo at Ungok Seowon in Wangs in-ri, Gyeongju, is about 370 years old, stands 30 meters tall and has a trunk circumference of 6 meters. With its broad branches spreading over the tranquil seowon, it is known as one of Gyeongju’s signature autumn spots. It is said that branches were brought from Sunheung, Yeongju, and planted to console the unjust death of Gwon San-hae. Every autumn, photographers flock to capture its ginkgo leaves.

The ancient ginkgo in Nongso-ri, Gumi, is a natural monument about 400 years old and 25 meters tall. Its branches spread far in all directions, as if embracing the entire village and using the sky as its roof. About 3 meters above the ground, its trunk divides into three, creating the impression of three dependable brothers standing back to back. Its grand scale and overwhelming presence inspire awe in anyone who stands beneath it.

The ancient ginkgo at Seoseokji in Yeondang-ri, Yeongyang, is about 440 years old and casts a broad, 130-pyeong shadow over Seoseokji (瑞石池), one of Korea’s finest traditional gardens, created during the reign of King Gwanghaegun of Joseon. The pond, pavilion and centuries-old golden ginkgo combine to create a scene like a landscape painting.

The ancient ginkgo known as Hwangsaengmok in Dugok-ri, Sangju, is 470 years old and 15 meters tall. A tragic legend tells how the souls of Wolseon, Hansu and the child she was carrying were reborn as three trees that intertwined and became one.

Other beautiful ancient trees the province is proud of include the natural-monument ginkgo in Joryong-ri, Gimcheon, which is more than 600 years old, and the ancient ginkgo at Sosu Seowon in Naejuk-ri, Sunheung-myeon, Yeongju, which is more than 500 years old.

The ancient ginkgo at Imgo Seowon in Yanghang-ri, Yeongcheon, stands majestically at the entrance to the seowon, which honors Jeong Mong-ju. It is about 500 years old and 30 meters tall. The natural-monument ginkgo in Yonggye-ri, Andong, was designated a natural monument in 1966. This majestic tree is 31 meters tall, has a circumference of 13.67 meters and is an astonishing 700 years old. It was at risk of being submerged by the construction of the Imha Dam. Because the ancient tree could not be transplanted, a massive engineering project raised it vertically and built an artificial island beneath it by piling up soil to a height of 15 meters, miraculously preserving its life.

The ancient ginkgo tree at Jeokcheonsa Temple in Cheongdo, estimated to be 840 years old.

The natural-monument ginkgo at Jeokcheonsa Temple in Won-ri, Cheongdo, is a majestic giant, about 840 years old and 29 meters tall, that stands guard over the grounds of the temple, founded during the Silla period. An intriguing legend says that after the Buddhist monk Jinul rebuilt the temple during the Goryeo period, he planted in the ground the ginkgo walking stick he had carried, and it took root and grew into the giant tree seen today.

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