The Chungnam Institute of Forest Environment Research is accelerating its research to stably pass down the 700-year-old Natural Monument (No. 398) walnut tree at Gwangdeoksa Temple in Cheonan to future generations.

According to the Institute on the 12th, this research has been underway since last year with the objectives of securing successor trees in preparation for the aging and natural disasters of the Gwangdeoksa walnut tree, and preserving and utilizing its superior genetic resources.

The research is being conducted by cultivating grafted saplings using scions secured from the Natural Monument walnut tree.

The Institute plans to select successor candidates focusing on individuals with superior growth conditions by 2028 and cultivate preserved population groups, establishing a foundation to restore the tree with the exact same lineage if the original tree is damaged.

The cultivated successor trees will be utilized for genetic lineage preservation, related research, education, and exhibitions by creating an educational and interpretive space within the arboretum being established during the Institute's relocation to Cheongyang.

The Gwangdeoksa walnut tree originates from walnut saplings and fruits brought back by Yu Cheong-sin, Lord Yeongmil-gong, in September of the 16th year of King Chungnyeol of the Goryeo Dynasty (1290) when he accompanied the king's carriage back from Yuan Dynasty China.

It is recorded that the saplings were planted inside Gwangdeoksa Temple, while the fruits were planted in front of the courtyard of his hometown house. Due to its high value as a cultural and biological resource, it was designated and protected as a Natural Monument on December 23, 1988.

Woo Seok-sung, Director of the Chungnam Institute of Forest Environment Research, stated, "The Natural Monument walnut tree is a precious forest resource that holds local history and culture," and added, "We will do our best to healthily cultivate and manage successor trees to preserve our unique genetic resources and pass down their value to future generations."

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