[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Eom In-yong] Guri City announced on the 26th that the actual age of the ginkgo tree in Acheon-dong, which had been shrouded in mystery, has been confirmed to be 931 years old.
The city coordinated with the National Heritage Administration for an on-site survey in November of last year to designate the tree as a natural monument. During this process, it recognized the need for scientific measurement results and commissioned the National Institute of Forest Science in December of last year. As a result, the objective age of the tree was confirmed to be 931 years old.
When the tree was designated as a protected tree in 1982, its age was estimated at 1,200 years, which had been used until recently. This survey revealed a difference of approximately 270 years.
Since direct wood core extraction was impossible for a growing tree, the National Institute of Forest Science conducted a LiDAR scan survey based on a non-destructive age estimation database and utilized digital growth information to measure the tree.
▲Growth data of the ginkgo tree (photo, height, tree circumference) ▲Based on survey data collected through on-site investigations (2 times), age was confirmed by extracting data through the relationship between the tree's diameter at breast height and annual rings extracted from the tree.
The survey results showed that the Acheon-dong ginkgo tree has a height of 24.2m, a circumference of 9.915m, a total weight of 55 tons, and an age of 931 years. The tree was found to be covered by soil approximately 1-2m from the ground level, which was reflected in the height measurement.
Mayor Baek Kyung-hyun stated, "Based on the scientific measurement results secured this time, we will proceed swiftly with discussions with the National Heritage Administration for designating the tree as a natural monument." He added, "We will also promote storytelling work for the historical and folk value of the ginkgo tree together with local residents."