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Mt. Yongmun and Gingko Tree
Mt. Yongmun
has countless rocky peaks that exhibit magnificent views every season. It is the third highest mountain in
Gyeonggi-do after Mt.
Hwaak and Mt. Myeongju. With magnificent terrains and deep
valleys, Mt. Yongmun has been the symbol of Yangpyeong-gun for a long time.Designated as a tourist attraction along with the
1,000-year-old Yongmunsa
Temple, Mt. Yongmun brings many tourists and mountain-lovers even on weekdays. There is also an amusement facility designed
to suit families with children.
Mt. Yongmun¡¯s Gingko Tree is the tallest and oldest of all the existing
gingko trees in Korea. It is standing in
front of Yongmunsa
Temple¡¯s main building.
This gingko tree is assumed to be about 1,100-1,500
years old. It is about 62m in height and
14m in girth, being the largest gingko tree in Asia.
According to the legend, King Gyeongsun, the last
king of Shilla Empire, planted this tree when he visited his master, Great
Priest Daegyeong. Some people also say
that King Gyeongsun¡¯s son, Prince Maui, planted it when he lost his land and
escaped to Mt. Geumgang. Still others say that Great Priest
Euisang¡¯s cane laid roots on the ground and grew up to become today¡¯s gingko
tree.
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