Beloved Seoul Ginkgo Tree Allegedly Poisoned by Museum
A community rallies to save their 100-year-old 'Grandpa Ginkgo' from suspected herbicide attack.
1Century-old neighborhood icon
A 100+ year old ginkgo tree in Seoul's Buam-dong neighborhood served as a communal landmark, affectionately called 'Grandpa Ginkgo' by residents of all ages. The tree uniquely thrived roadside rather than in private gardens, becoming a daily touchpoint where locals would verbally greet it. Multiple generations formed emotional attachments, with a 74-year-old resident calling it his oldest friend and children incorporating it into their school commute rituals.
2Alarming deterioration
In summer 2023, residents noticed abnormal leaf shedding from the typically hardy ginkgo - green leaves falling prematurely during peak growing season. The tree's rapid decline prompted Jung, a four-year resident, to organize neighbors into an investigative team. They documented a rotting carpet of distinctive fan-shaped leaves accumulating around the base, with branches turning bare and brown as the season progressed.
3Suspicious installations found
The amateur detectives discovered 10 white plastic funnels protruding from the tree's base, initially mistaken for nutrient delivery systems. Security footage later revealed two gloved men drilling near the tree in April, though funnel installation couldn't be confirmed. Arborists examining the tree suspected the funnels contained herbicides, noting the pattern matched deliberate poisoning methods used to slowly kill large trees.
4Museum conflict emerges
Residents connected the drilling incident to the Whanki Museum's prior requests to remove the tree, citing root damage to its adjacent brick wall. While the museum claimed it contacted 40+ property owners about wall repairs, local officials stated a 2022 inspection found no meaningful connection between the tree and wall damage. The museum's May statement acknowledged 'attempting to resolve the situation' without detailing methods.
5Community confrontation
Buam-dong residents stormed the museum with police after reviewing footage, alleging an employee tacitly admitted to tampering with the tree. The museum neither confirmed nor denied herbicide use when contacted by BBC. Residents filed a police report against the museum director, with authorities confirming an ongoing investigation. The museum honors Kim Whanki, an artist who wrote under the pen name 'conversation with trees' - an irony not lost on protesters.
6Cultural significance
Ginkgo trees hold special meaning in Korean culture, symbolizing longevity and resilience. The Whanki Museum's architect specifically designed the space to harmonize with natural elements central to Kim's art. Residents adopted Kim's tree-related pseudonym 'Su-wha' for their campaign, while environmental groups launched petitions for urban tree guardianship. Activists expressed shock that such poisoning could occur near a nature-themed cultural institution.
7Community mobilization
The crisis unified Buam-dong, with neighbors previously unacquainted now exchanging home-cooked meals and vigil schedules. About 20 residents regularly gathered for healing rituals including shamanic ceremonies, elm dances believed to aid tree recovery, and recitations of Whanki's essays. Notes of well-wishes adorned the trunk as the community prayed for a miracle against arborists' 90% mortality prognosis.
8Personal transformations
Jung, the campaign leader, found unexpected purpose through the crisis during her recovery from winter illness. Though previously housebound, she began hugging the tree for comfort, noting its earthy scent lifted her depression. Other residents described profound emotional connections, with one reflecting that saving the tree became synonymous with preserving their community's identity and intergenerational bonds.
9Broader implications
The case highlights tensions between urban development and environmental preservation in Seoul, particularly in neighborhoods like Buam-dong where development restrictions maintain historic character. It raises questions about institutional accountability when cultural organizations damage natural heritage. The community's response demonstrates how environmental threats can activate civic engagement and forge stronger social networks in urban areas.
Original article: BBC News — Beloved Seoul Ginkgo Tree Allegedly Poisoned by Museum