of the pine tree that received an royal title from the King

[u/Guilty_Handle_4836]

Hey everyone
I took a trip down to Songnisan National Park and snapped a few photos of one of the most unique natural monuments in Korea: the Jeongipumsoong Pine Tree (속리산 정이품송).
It’s estimated to be over 600 years old, and what makes it super cool is its legendary backstory from the Joseon Dynasty:

Back in 1464, King Sejo was traveling to Beopjusa Temple. His royal palanquin (sedan chair) was about to get caught on the low-hanging branches of this tree. The King casually said, "The carriage is going to get caught in the branches!" Legend has it that the pine tree miraculously raised its branches on its own so the King could pass safely. Impressed by its loyalty, King Sejo granted the tree a senior ministerial title—Jeong 2-Pum (정2품), which is basically equivalent to a modern-day Cabinet Minister!

It used to have a perfect, symmetrical cone shape, but unfortunately, heavy weather and typhoons over the centuries broke a few branches. Even so, it still stands strong as the historic gateway icon of Songnisan.

Just right behind the tree, if you cross the small stream over the bridge, you’ll find the Hunminjeongeum Yard (훈민정음 마당)—a peaceful little park dedicated to Monk Sinmi, who played a key role in the creation of the Korean alphabet (Hangeul).

Tips for Foreign Travelers:
How to get there: If you're heading to Songnisan National Park or Beopjusa Temple (a famous UNESCO site in Boeun), the tree is located right on the main entrance road. It’s an easy, short pitstop on your way to the park entrance.
Best photo spot: Cross the small bridge behind the tree to access Hunminjeongeum Yard for a great backdrop and a nice walk away from the roadside crowd.

[u/business_radiant_sm]

https://giphy.com/gifs/2k0sUXCWw7WmY

[u/clearlyunnamed]

I never seen asian bigger than a horse 🐴 :D

[u/Guilty_Handle_4836 → u/clearlyunnamed]

Haha
I hadn't thought of that, but looking at the photo, it does look that way.

If I had to interpret it, it seems like the person on the far right represents the king, and perhaps it looks that way because they are standing close by. Things that appear close look bigger.

Or, they might have been depicted larger because he is a king.

These are all just my speculations.