Have you ever seen the ancient and legendary trees in your village?
I’ve explored the ancient and legendary trees located in Jeonju, where I live.

 

“Explore the ancient and legendary trees of Jeonju.”

 

Especially, there are many ancient and legendary trees in Jeonju Hanok Village, a popular spot among tourists. It would be nice to check them out.

 

1. Protected tree – Zelkova (180 years old)

· Location : 55, Pungnam-dong 2(i)-ga, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeonbuk State
· Height : 6m / Circumference : 3.6m

· Origin of the Tree
Called “mountain-attached tree,” in the past, people could not pass this way, and damaging it recklessly was believed to bring misfortune.

The first protected tree I introduced is located between restaurant buildings behind the first public parking lot of Hanok Village. It might be a place you just pass by.

It’s right across from Jasme Galbi, so be sure to look for it.

The circumference of the protected tree is as huge as its age.
It feels like a solid rock! On the other hand, the leaves of the Zelkova are small and delicate.

 

2. Protected tree – Ginkgo tree (580 years old)

· Location : 36-15, Pungnam-dong 3(sam)-ga, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeonbuk State
· Height : 16m / Circumference : 4.2m

 

If you go inside Jeonju Hanok Village, you can see the most famous ginkgo tree.
It’s the ginkgo tree of the Jeonju Choi family, opposite the Donghak Revolution Memorial Hall.

· Origin of the Tree
This is the oldest ancient tree in the area, known as the ginkgo tree alley.

There’s a ginkgo tree at the Hyanggyo and Pungnam-dong crossroads that easily looks about 600 years old.

After returning to his hometown, Yeoldang Choi Damsaeng, a founding contributor of the Joseon dynasty, planted it while establishing a school to nurture the future generation in the yard of the Jeonju Choi family house, and it has reached today.
There’s a legend in this old ginkgo tree.

Until early October, the leaves were lush and green, but by early November,
the leaves turned yellow, and the fruits were hanging plentifully.
The ginkgo tree leaves have probably fallen off by now, but just looking at the size of the protected tree is impressive.

As you wander around Jeonju Hanok Village, you will definitely notice it.

 

3. Protected tree – Bamboo oak (350 years old)

· Location : 91-3, Pungnam-dong 3(sam)-ga, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeonbuk State
· Height : 20m / Circumference : 4.0m

This tree stands behind the wall along Gyeonggijeon Shrine, and it’s so tall that you need to view it from across the street to get the full perspective.
The bamboo oak has stood here for over 300 years, providing a robust and sturdy presence.

The moss on its extensive bark matches the tree well, adding a touch of elegance.
It is named bamboo oak due to its resemblance to bamboo.
I then went inside Gyeonggijeon Shrine to examine each of the ancient and legendary trees in Jeonju.

 

4. Ancient tree – Scholar tree (250 years old)

· Location : 102, Pungnam-dong 3(sam)-ga, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeonbuk State (inside Gyeonggijeon Shrine)
· Height : 20m / Circumference : 3.1m

The scholar tree is a deciduous legume and one of Korea’s five great trees, which also include ginkgo, zelkova, camphor, and willow.

 

4-1. Ancient tree – Ash tree (200 years old)

· Location : inside Gyeonggijeon Shrine
· Height : 20m / Circumference : 2.2m

Its leaves are similar to those of the scholar tree, but the ash tree also features fruits.

Looking up, you’ll see the fruits hanging plentifully.

 

4-3. Ancient tree – Zelkova (150 years old)

· Location : inside Gyeonggijeon Shrine
· Height : 20m / Circumference : 3.8m

While zelkovas are common, this ancient specimen has an imposing majesty.

5. Ancient tree – Ginkgo tree (350 years old)

Lastly, there is another ancient tree situated inside Jeonju Hanok Village near Jeondong Cathedral.

· Location : 51, Taejo-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeonbuk State
· Height : 20m / Circumference : 3.8m

Many people were taking pictures in front of this tall, straight ginkgo tree.

It’s said that Jeonju Hanok Village was established in the 1910s. However, considering the age of these trees, they must have been standing here well before then, making them legendary.

When visiting Jeonju Hanok Village, make sure to check out each of the protected and ancient trees, each accompanied by stories and legends.

 

6.Protected tree – Weeping willow (200 years old)

I visited another well-known location in Jeonju, Deokjin Park, which is home to two protected trees.
This protected tree stands next to Chwihyangjeon in Deokjin Park.

· Location : 1314-4, Deokjin-dong 1(il)-ga, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, Jeonbuk State
· Height : 14m / Circumference : 3.2m

The tree’s bark, weathered by time, exhibited a uniquely rough texture.
Typically, we only notice the height and circumference of old trees from a distance.

However, upon closer inspection, I discovered that each tree type has a distinct appearance and diverse leaf shapes, each with its own allure.

 

Ancient tree – Camphor tree (150 years old)

As you explore Deokjin Park, you will encounter another ancient tree next to Deokjinjeong.

· Height : 14m / Circumference : 3.1m

Isn’t it remarkable how this tree transforms throughout the seasons? In spring, it sprouts new growth; in summer, it offers lush greenery for shade; in autumn, it displays beautifully colored foliage; and in winter, it flaunts stylish branches.

The protected and ancient trees I introduced today in Jeonju are mostly over 100 years old, including trees of significant historical and academic value, such as old trees, great trees, and rare trees, all requiring special protection.

It would be beneficial to pay more attention to these protected and ancient trees, which hold considerable cultural and historical significance.