Seoul Neighbors Rally to Save Beloved 100-Year-Old Tree

When Jung noticed green leaves falling from her neighborhood's beloved ginkgo tree in the middle of summer, she knew something was terribly wrong. The century-old tree had been a fixture in Seoul's Buam-dong neighborhood for longer than anyone could remember.

Jung wasn't the only one worried. Neighbors young and old had formed bonds with the majestic ginkgo that stood proudly on their residential street, calling it "Grandpa Ginkgo."

For 74-year-old Park Jeon-hee, the tree was his oldest friend. Ten-year-old Kim On passed it every day on his way to school and couldn't imagine the neighborhood without it.

As more leaves carpeted the ground, Jung and her neighbors turned into amateur detectives. They noticed ten white plastic funnels installed near the tree's base and grew suspicious.

Security camera footage from a nearby home revealed two men in white gloves drilling near the tree in late April. The timing matched perfectly with when the ginkgo started declining.

The trail led to an unexpected culprit: the nearby Whanki Museum, dedicated to a famous nature-loving Korean artist. Museum staff had allegedly requested the tree's removal, claiming its roots were damaging their wall.

When confronted by residents and police, a museum employee admitted they had "attempted to resolve the situation." Arborists examining the tree suspected herbicide poisoning from the mysterious funnels.

The irony wasn't lost on anyone. A museum honoring Kim Whanki, Korea's "Picasso" who loved nature, stood accused of potentially killing a tree older than the museum itself.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT

The case captured national attention across South Korea, inspiring conversations about protecting urban trees and community heritage. Local officials confirmed an inspection found no meaningful connection between the tree and wall damage, supporting the residents' fight.

The community has filed a police report and continues pushing for answers about what was injected into their beloved ginkgo. They need to know what's in those funnels so experts can properly treat the tree.

Jung, who greets the tree every day coming and going, refuses to give up on her leafy friend. Neither will Park, Kim, or the dozens of other neighbors who've rallied around their shared piece of living history.

Their message is clear: some things in a community are worth fighting for, even if it means taking on powerful institutions. This ginkgo belongs to everyone, and they're determined to nurse their "grandfather" back to health.

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