The Wonju Bangye-ri ginkgo tree was designated as a National Natural Monument of South Korea in 1964. This tree boasts an enormous canopy, currently spanning approximately 37.5 meters in diameter. Although it stands at about 33 meters tall, the Wonju Bangye-ri tree is not the tallest ginkgo tree in this Asian country. However, the way its branches spread out has made it one of the most striking trees on Earth.
In autumn, its leaves turn a brilliant golden yellow, covering the branches densely, creating a breathtaking spectacle. In South Korea, the Wonju Bangye-ri ginkgo tree is often hailed as the most beautiful tree in the world.
The tree’s leaves have turned a vibrant golden yellow, creating a rare and stunning scene. Photo: Oddity Central
Interestingly, this massive ancient tree gained unprecedented fame during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the trend of “socially distanced” travel at the time. Families often drove to outdoor attractions to minimize contact with strangers.
Professor Lee Hoon from the Department of Tourism at Hanyang University told the Korea JoongAng Daily:
“Due to the pandemic, small groups such as couples or families began choosing simple trips to outdoor natural attractions. Especially by private car, where they wouldn’t have to come into close contact with strangers.”
In 2021, Chae Beom-sik, the head of Bangye-ri village, shared that the village used to be very quiet before the pandemic. However, visitor numbers tripled in 2020 and quadrupled in 2021.
“On average, 4,000 people visited per day, whether on weekdays or weekends. There are no restaurants nearby, and the closest convenience store is 1.5 kilometers away. But people flock here to witness the beauty of the ginkgo tree,” Chae emphasized.
Though the crisis caused by the pandemic has subsided, the fame of the Bangye-ri ginkgo tree remains high. These days, the tree begins shedding its leaves, creating a natural golden carpet stretching tens of meters underneath. Thousands of people visit Bangye-ri to witness this marvel firsthand.
According to folklore, the Wonju Bangye-ri ginkgo tree was planted by a member of the Seongju Lee family. This man rested to drink water and forgot his walking stick, which later grew into the tree. Another legend claims a white snake lived in the tree, protecting it so it could thrive and grow to its current size. Local farmers believe they will have a bountiful harvest if the entire tree turns golden in autumn.
Ginkgo trees are also popular tourist attractions outside South Korea. In Shaanxi Province, China, a ginkgo tree within the Gu Guanyin Temple on the Zhongnan Mountains also draws significant crowds.
