570-Year-Old Protected Hackberry Tree Uprooted in Nonsan Following Over 250mm of Heavy Rain

As heavy downpours continued across the Chungcheong region over the two days of July 8 and 9, causing various incidents, a 570-year-old hackberry tree was uprooted in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province.

The protected hackberry tree, located in front of Suranggol Village in Chuiam-dong, Nonsan, fell at approximately 5:00 a.m. on July 9.

There were no casualties as no pedestrians were in the area when the tree fell.

The village is a clan village for the Dalseong Bae family, founded by Bae Mul-bo, who moved there after opposing the ascension of Grand Prince Suyang (King Sejo) during the Joseon Dynasty.

The hackberry tree, which stood in the center of the village, has been known as a guardian deity and a dangsan tree (a sacred village tree) that protected the village for hundreds of years, even before the urban development of Nonsan in modern times.

Bae (65), the head of Chuiam 5-tong who has lived in the village for five generations, described the situation, saying, "I heard a loud cracking sound at dawn, and when I came out, I saw the hackberry tree had been uprooted and fallen."

Bae added, "In the past, there was a well in front of the tree where 70 to 80 households would draw water, rest, and hold annual village rituals. The tree served as a focal point that united the villagers." He expressed his sorrow, saying, "I grew up playing with this tree as my companion, and even in the middle of summer, it was as cool as natural air conditioning under the tree. It holds so many memories."

According to Bae, many residents of Suranggol Village came out from the morning of July 9 to watch as the tree lay fallen.

The city of Nonsan has since mobilized heavy equipment to remove the tree for reasons including pedestrian safety.

The Nonsan area, which was hit by a "water bomb" of over 250mm (in Sangwol-myeon) starting July 8, has suffered continuous damage, including fallen trees and the flooding of roads, houses, and farmland.

Due to growing concerns over landslides, seven residents of Gaecheok 2-ri, Seongdong-myeon, evacuated to a nearby elementary school before returning home.

(Photo: Provided by Bae, head of Chuiam 5-tong; Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.