The twin pine trees are locally referred to as 'Grandmother Pine' and 'Grandfather Pine'.
The trees were officially designated as Natural Monument No. 424 by the South Korean government in 2000.
Villagers conduct a traditional ritual called the 'Dangsan-je' at the foot of these trees every year to pray for the village's prosperity and peace.
Despite the 'Cheonnyeonsong' (thousand-year pine) name, experts estimate the trees are approximately 500 years old.
The trees are protected by a raised wooden platform to prevent soil compaction around their root systems.
Jirisan Cheonnyeonsong is a natural monument in South Korea consisting of two ancient pine trees estimated to be approximately 500 years old. Located in the Waun Village of Sannae-myeon, Namwon, these trees serve as the village's guardian spirits. The larger pine stands about 20 meters tall with a girth of 4.3 meters, while its companion is slightly smaller. The trees are protected under South Korean cultural heritage law due to their age, biological value, and cultural significance to local residents. The site is situated within the mountainous terrain of Jirisan National Park. Visitors reach the trees via a hiking trail that climbs from Waun Village. The surrounding area preserves traditional village aesthetics alongside the natural landscape.
From the lower path looking up at the trees to capture the full scale of the branches against the mountain backdrop.
Wear sturdy hiking footwear, as the path from Waun Village to the trees is an incline.
Bring your own water and snacks, as there are no commercial facilities directly at the base of the trees.
Check local weather reports before heading up, as mountain trails in Jirisan can be slippery after rain.
Avoid attempting to reach the trees during heavy rainfall or winter snow, as the mountain path can become treacherous.
Do not climb onto the protective wooden platform or touch the bark of the trees; keep noise levels low to respect the sacred nature of the site.
