🌿 Growing a Ginkgo Tree From the Seeds of Korea’s 1,000-Year-Old Natural Monument (Goesan Ginkgo)
Korea is home to several ancient ginkgo trees, many of which are protected as Natural Monuments due to their historical and cultural significance.
One of the most famous is the Goesan Eumnae-ri Ginkgo Tree, estimated to be around 1,000 years old.
This post documents my journey of growing a young ginkgo tree from the seeds of this ancient monumental tree — essentially raising a descendant of a Korean Natural Monument.
1. The 1,000-Year-Old Natural Monument Ginkgo Tree (Goesan, Korea)
This massive tree stands in Goesan, Chungcheongbuk-do, and is designated as a Natural Monument of Korea.
Its enormous trunk and wide canopy reflect centuries of survival and cultural history.
I visited the site during the fall to collect naturally fallen fruits.
2. Information Signboard
The signboard provides historical context, including the estimated age, cultural value, and protection status of the tree.
It confirms the tree’s designation as a protected Natural Monument.
3. Fallen Ginkgo Fruits Under the Tree
In autumn, ripe ginkgo fruits fall to the ground.
These fruits contain viable seeds that can be germinated the following year.
4. Removing the Pulp
The raw fruit has a strong odor, so I removed the pulp carefully.
This step is important because leftover fruit flesh can cause mold during storage.
5. Cleaned and Washed Ginkgo Seeds
After washing, the seeds show their hard beige shells.
These seeds must be fully cleaned before winter storage.
6. Drying and Storing Seeds Through Winter
I stored the seeds in a cool, dry place throughout winter.
This cold period helps mimic natural stratification, which increases germination rates.
7. Sowing the Seeds in Spring
In the following spring, I sowed the seeds in a propagation tray.
Ginkgo seeds germinate best when:
- kept lightly moist
- placed in bright but indirect light
- not buried too deeply
8. One Month Later: Ginkgo Seedlings Emerge
After about a month, the seedlings began to sprout.
Seeing a 1,000-year-old tree’s descendant emerging from the soil is a remarkable experience.
9. Preparing to Transplant Into 10 cm Pots
Once the seedlings became strong enough, I gently lifted each sprout for transplanting.
10. Newly Potted Ginkgo Seedlings
The seedlings were moved into individual 10 cm pots.
Each one carries the genetic lineage of a centuries-old Natural Monument.
Growing these seedlings feels like preserving a small part of Korean natural heritage.
🌿 Conclusion
Raising a ginkgo tree from the seeds of a 1,000-year-old Korean Natural Monument is both meaningful and rewarding.
The process takes patience — from harvesting, cleaning, and overwintering the seeds to watching them sprout in spring — but the result is a living descendant of a historically important tree.
Whether for cultural appreciation or simply the joy of growing ginkgo from seed, this experience connects you directly to Korea’s natural heritage.