The funky Korean pines
Hey nature lovers, this one is for you! Did you know that Korea has pretty unique pine-trees in their nature treasure chest. Yes, There is a specific pine-tree that is flourishing in the Korean Peninsula and in some parts of northern Asia called… the Korean Pine Tree.
“Wild like the wind, in the tall pine trees I got roots and I got wings…’
- Miranda Labert
Korean pine is no ordinary pine. It is known in the pine world as the twisted pine for its unique quality of tangled and twisted branches. It has become so iconic within Korean culture that it is regularly featured in traditional Korean art especially from Joseon period.
The rumour has it that prior to Japanese colonization the Korean pine trees covered the slopes of the famous mountain Namsan in Seoul. When Japan colonized Korea in 20th century they planted acacia trees among the Korean pines which led to pines withering away under competition from resilient acacia.
After Korean liberation the government rolled out an all-out campaign to eradicate all acacias from mountain Namsan and restore the original twisted pine woods.
This was important as many Koreans adored pine trees for their integrity and fortitude. It is said, that the nation survived the hardships by eating the inside of the pine tree skin during the war time. Guess it is no surprise, that many Korean scholars argue "Korean culture is pine culture" by saying that Korean people are born under the pine trees, live with them and die under them. As Bae Young-Don said "It [the pine trees] symbolise Korea itself and the Korean people.” Even today, Koreans make some of the most popular rice cakes by using pine needles on the national Chuseok (Full Moon) holiday.
You can now admire the twisted pines on the slopes of Mountain Namsan and elsewhere on hikes in Korea, they have become emblematic of Korea and its culture and even feature in Korean anthem.
If you do manage to visit Korea, take a few hikes and don’t miss an opportunity to observe the funky pines!
Author: Egle Poceviciute