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Natural Monument

원주 반계리 은행나무 ( 原州 磻溪里 銀杏나무 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Natural Monument
Name of Cultural Properties

Quantity 1,045㎡ (Protected area)
Designated Date 1964.01.31
Age
Address 1495-1, Bangye-ri, Munmak-eup, Wonju, Gangwon-do

A ginkgo tree can be as old as a fossil. Introduced along with Confucianism and Buddhism from China, ginkgo trees are found in Japan, China, and Korea. The ginkgo tree has beautiful leaves in fall, undamaged by harmful insects, and provides large, cool shade. Therefore, it is often planted as arbor or roadside tree. The ginkgo tree of Bangye-ri is about 800~1,000 years old, with height of about 32m and girth of approximately 16.27m. The branches of the tree spread nicely and make for a magnificent sight. There are some stories regarding this ginkgo tree. First, one of Seongju Yi's family planted and raised this ginkgo tree, and one day Seongju Yi disappeared. Second, one monk put his walking stick into the ground, and it has grown into the ginkgo tree. According to another story, a white snake lives in the ginkgo tree, so the ginkgo tree is considered to be a sacred one. As such, no one is able to do harm to the ginkgo tree. Lastly, it is believed that the villagers will have a rich harvest that year when the leaves of the ginkgo tree flourish in fall. The ginkgo tree of Bangye-ri has been kept well by our ancestors for a long time. Biologically valuable, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.