Gyeongbuk Culture & Tourism Corporation's October Travel in Gyeongbuk Through Photos

The Gyeongbuk Culture & Tourism Corporation (President Kim Nam-il) selected 12 old ginkgo tree spots in Gyeongbuk, which are great places to walk and enjoy the autumn atmosphere in the cool early autumn weather, as the October theme for its monthly series "Gyeongbuk Travel Through Photos."

In Gyeongbuk, October marks the beginning of mountains and fields being dyed in magnificent colors, accompanied by pleasant autumn breezes blowing morning and evening. In particular, the old ginkgo trees in the province that have quietly guarded hundreds of years of time offer not only magnificent appearances but also deep resonance beyond simple landscape appreciation, as they harbor their own deep histories and legends.

① Gyeongju Wangsin-ri Ungokseowon Old Ginkgo Tree

*Address: 78 Wangsin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do Estimated to be about 370 years old, with a height of 30m and a trunk circumference of 6m, this ginkgo tree spreads its wide branches to warmly embrace the quiet seowon (Confucian academy), making it a representative autumn attraction in Gyeongju. Located within the grounds of Ungokseowon, it carries a poignant story that branches were brought and planted from Sunheung, Yeongju, to console the unfair death of Kwon San-hae. Every autumn, photographers flock to capture the ginkgo leaves pouring over the rooftop.

② Gumi Nongso-ri Natural Monument Old Ginkgo Tree

*Address: 436 Nongso-ri, Okseong-myeon, Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do This is a natural monument estimated to be about 400 years old and 25m tall, spreading its branches widely from east to west and south to north to embrace the entire village, taking the sky as its roof. The tree shape, where the trunk splits into three branches around 3m above the ground, reminds viewers of three dependable brothers standing back to back. Thanks to its grand size and overwhelming presence, just standing under the tree naturally brings a sense of awe.

③ Yeongyang Yandang-ri Seoseokji Old Ginkgo Tree

*Address: 394-1 Yandang-ri, Ibam-myeon, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do Estimated to be about 440 years old, this ginkgo tree casts a wide shade of 130 pyeong over "Seoseokji," a representative traditional Korean garden created during the reign of King Gwanghae of the Joseon Dynasty. The pond, the pavilion, and the centuries-old golden ginkgo tree harmonize to create a magnificent view like a traditional landscape painting.

④ Sangju Dugok-ri Hwangsaengmok Old Ginkgo Tree

*Address: 640 Dugok-ri (and 4 other parcels), Euncheok-myeon, Sangju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do An old tree estimated to be 470 years old and 15m tall, called "Deokmok" (Virtuous Tree) by villagers because it bears abundant fruit. A sad yet beautiful legend is passed down that the soul, resentment, and unborn child of Wol-seon, who died an unjust death, were reincarnated into three trees that intertwined to become one body. It is a great place to reflect on the preciousness of life and relationships while appreciating the miraculous tree shape created by tangled and twisted trunks.

⑤ Gimcheon Joryong-ri Natural Monument Old Ginkgo Tree

*Address: Seomgyeseowon Backyard, Joryong-ri, Daedeok-myeon, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do Standing in the backyard of Seomgyeseowon, this is a natural monument giant tree estimated to be about 600 years old and 28m tall. The most unique viewing point of this tree is the "Yuju" (milk pillars) hanging long like stalactites throughout the branches, adding a layer of mystery to the tree. It has grown amid the special attention and love of people, to the extent that two neighboring clans once engaged in a legal battle claiming that their ancestors planted the tree.

⑥ Yeongju Naejuk-ri Sosuseowon Old Ginkgo Tree

*Address: 151 Naejuk-ri, Sunheung-myeon, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do Two ginkgo trees estimated to be about 500 years old located in Sosuseowon. The 21m male tree stands proudly surrounded by a pine forest, while the 25m female tree faces it affectionately on the hill of Jukgyechoe Stream. The sight of multiple new branches vigorously sprouting from the base of the female tree symbolizes tenacious vitality.

⑦ Yeongcheon Yanghang-ri Imgoseowon Old Ginkgo Tree

*Address: 501 Yanghang-ri, Imgo-myeon, Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do An old tree estimated to be about 500 years old and 30m tall, grandly standing at the entrance of Imgoseowon, which memorializes Jeong Mong-ju. Its thick trunk and wide crown spreading in all directions create a picturesque scenery in golden harmony with the seowon's antique Korean-style timber buildings. The contrast between the seowon honoring Jeong Mong-ju's loyal heart and the bright yellow ginkgo leaves is impressive.

⑧ Andong Yonggye-ri Natural Monument Old Ginkgo Tree

*Address: 744 Yonggye-ri (and 8 other parcels), Gilan-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do Designated as a natural monument in 1966, this tree stands 31m tall with a circumference of 13.67m and is a grand giant tree estimated to be as old as 700 years. Although it faced the risk of being submerged due to the construction of Imha Dam, because relocating the old tree was impossible, a massive project was carried out to pile 15m high of soil right on the spot to create an artificial island and lift the tree vertically, miraculously continuing its life.

⑨ Cheongdo Won-ri Jeokcheonsa Natural Monument Old Ginkgo Tree

*Address: 981 Won-ri, Cheongdo-eup, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do A natural monument giant tree estimated to be about 840 years old and 29m tall, solemnly guarding Jeokcheonsa Temple, which was founded during the Silla Dynasty. An interesting legend is handed down that Master Bojo-guksa Jinul of the Goryeo Dynasty stuck his ginkgo walking stick into the ground after restoring the temple, and it took root to become the current giant tree.

Gyeongbuk Culture & Tourism Corporation President Kim Nam-il said, "October, when the sweltering heat that made outdoor activities hesitant comes to an end and a cool breeze begins to blow, is the best time to explore Gyeongbuk's beautiful nature on foot," adding, "We hope you will relieve daily fatigue and create unforgettable, healthy memories at Gyeongbuk's diverse ginkgo tree attractions, which harbor hundreds of years of time and treasure troves of stories."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]