Old Pine Tree Zone

This is an approximately 5km zone along the old Gyeongsu Highway from the top of Jijidae Hill, where the Jijidae Monument is located, featuring old pine trees. It is said that King Jeongjo (reigned 1776–1800) granted 1,000 nyang of naetanggeum (royal treasury funds) to the tree-planting official of Hyeollyungwon, the royal tomb of his biological father, Crown Prince Jangheon, to plant 500 pine trees and 40 weeping willows here. Currently, most have perished, and only a total of 38 old pine trees remain preserved: 9 trees near the Hyohaeng Memorial Hall in Zone 1, 21 trees near Sampung Garden in Zone 2, and 8 trees near Songjeong Elementary School in Zone 3. During the Joseon Dynasty, there was a concept called jonsong sasang (reverence for pine trees), reflecting the deep care for pines. Pine trees have captivated the spirit of the Korean people because they are dignified, solemn, taciturn, noble, unpretentious, tranquil, unchanging, natural, and harmonious. Currently, the Old Pine Tree Zone is suffering from tree deaths due to air and soil pollution and vehicle vibrations, as well as damage from pine caterpillars, pine needle gall midges, and pine bark beetles. Management and conservation plans are underway to protect the old pine trees.

(Source: National Heritage Administration)