A collection of legends and folklore surrounding guardian trees that have weathered countless years alongside their communities has been reissued after 19 years.
On the 13th, the Korea Forest Service revealed that it has published “Guardian Trees with Stories 2” in order to highlight the ecological and anthropological value of these trees. This book follows the first publication in 2006.
Out of the 13,800 guardian trees across the country, approximately 1,000 trees with folklore, folklore, historical, and cultural narratives were initially selected. Through regional and species classification and interviews with local residents, 100 guardian trees were ultimately chosen. These include 19 trees in the capital region, 10 in Gangwon, 21 in Chungcheong, 20 in Jeolla, 26 in Gyeongsang, and 4 in Jeju.
Guardian trees, designated under the Forest Protection Act, are ancient, large, or rare trees with historical or academic value. They serve as ecological links for birds and mammals and contribute to biodiversity conservation.
This book includes various narratives involving local communities and guardian trees, such as a ginkgo tree believed to promote conception, a crape myrtle that grew from a staff planted by Master Muhak, a legend of a younger sister reincarnating as a zelkova tree after her death, and a phoenix pine planted in commemoration of passing the state exam.
Choi Yong-tae, Director of the Forest Conservation Bureau at the Korea Forest Service, said, “We hope this book will serve as an opportunity to experience nature, history, and culture through the stories preserved by guardian trees,” adding, “We will continue to preserve guardian trees as sanctuaries for forest biological species and as forest assets to pass down to future generations.”
The book is available for free in electronic format on the Korea Forest Service’s website.
