A ginkgo tree can be as old as a fossil. Distributed in Japan, China, and Korea, the tree was introduced with Confucianism and Buddhism from China. The ginkgo tree has leaves that are beautiful in autumn, undamaged by harmful insects, and provides large, cool shade. Therefore, it is often planted as arbor or roadside tree. The ginkgo tree at Yeongguksa Temple in Yeongdong is about 200m from the main entrance. The ginkgo tree is assumed to be about 1000 years old, with height of 31.4m and girth of 11.54m. The branches of the tree are spreading nicely, with one of the branches on the west side reaching to the ground and growing into a new tree. The height of the new tree is about 3m, and it is still connected to the original one. Due to the scars on the tree, it had to undergo surgery in 1979. Props are now set up to protect the tree. The ginkgo tree at Yeongguksa Temple in Yeongdong has been preserved well by descendants for a long period of time. Biologically valuable, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.