Seoul's 100-year-old plane trees face removal amid safety concerns

Seoul's historic Hyojaro street, once lined with majestic plane trees, is facing the potential loss of several century-old giants. Three of these venerable trees, located near the former presidential office, have been deemed 'severely' or 'extremely severely' damaged, putting them at risk of being felled.

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After a detailed diagnosis, we determined that the inside of these two trees was rotten, creating cavities, and they could fall due to typhoons or drought.

The Jongno District Office confirmed that two trees were removed on August 23rd. These trees, measuring 17 meters in height and 82 centimeters in trunk diameter, and 21 meters in height and 100 centimeters in trunk diameter respectively, were cut down after a regular inspection in July identified significant internal decay and potential instability.

"After a detailed diagnosis, we determined that the inside of these two trees was rotten, creating cavities, and they could fall due to typhoons or drought," explained Seo Eun-jin, head of the landscaping team at the Jongno District Office. "If such large plane trees fall, they could cause significant damage to people and vehicles."

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If such large plane trees fall, they could cause significant damage to people and vehicles.

However, environmental groups are raising concerns about the planned removal of four additional plane trees and three zelkova trees that received a 'severe' rating. Seoul Environmental Movement Federation expert Choi Jin-woo argues that Hyojaro boasts nearly 30 plane trees that are about 100 years old, potentially making it the oldest plane tree avenue in Korea. He believes these trees, likely planted between the 1930s and 1940s during the Japanese colonial period, hold significant historical and visual value that warrants careful consideration.

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It took 100 years for these trees to grow, but it only takes a few hours to cut them down.

"It took 100 years for these trees to grow, but it only takes a few hours to cut them down," Choi stated. He urged the district office to explore preservation methods, such as designating the avenue as a local heritage or natural monument, and to find ways to save the largest plane tree, which stands near the Blue House fountain.

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We are considering what to do with the four plane trees and seven other trees. We also want to choose methods other than cutting them down, but if there are abnormalities in the trees, they could fall at any time.