Moving story behind a ginkgo forest planted for a wife – golden leaves create the most beautiful scenery in the mountains

▲ It’s autumn foliage season in Korea, and ginkgo trees are also in their prime. A ginkgo forest in Gangwon Province, with its moving backstory, draws many travelers. (Photo / Courtesy of the Korea Tourism Organization, the same below)


Reporter Chen Ziying / Comprehensive report

October marks the official start of Korea’s autumn foliage season, with reds, oranges, greens, and yellows painting the land like an artist’s palette, creating breathtaking views. In addition to maple leaves, another must-see this season is the “ginkgo,” with its golden branches or fluttering leaves that look like something out of a fairy tale. In Gangwon Province, there is a ginkgo forest not only known for its stunning scenery but also for a touching and widely-told story, attracting large numbers of visitors every year during this time.



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The Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest is a woodland located in Gangwon Province. It has been open to visitors for free every October, but this ginkgo forest is neither a national park nor government-owned – it’s a privately-run farm that has been operating for 30 years. It is said that the farm owner’s beloved wife suffered from a chronic digestive disease in 1985. Heartbroken, he heard that mineral-rich spring water downstream of Mount Odaesan had therapeutic effects for her condition. So, he decided to move away from the city to the suburban area of Gangwon Province, where he planted ginkgo trees for his wife — for as long as 25 years. It wasn’t until 2010, when travelers stumbled upon the site, that it gradually gained fame. Later, to allow visitors to enjoy the view, the forest has been opened to the public for free every October when the ginkgo leaves turn golden.


▲ Each and every one of these ginkgo trees was planted 30 years ago by the farm owner for his beloved wife.