Old trees are more than trees.

Explore the hidden corners of Busan through its centuries-old trees, each with a story to tell. In Korea, trees are more than nature. They are storytellers rich with myth, humor, and symbolism. Some are said to house spirits, others mark where heroes fell, or bloom in times of hardship as signs of hope. Villages long kept sacred guardian trees, dangsan namu, believed to protect the community through rituals and offerings.

We joined a beyondBusan tour led by Professor Hokeun Yeo, a local writer, who has spent years wandering through Korea’s forests, villages, and temple grounds in search of the country’s oldest and most storied trees. He guided us to hidden spots in Busan where centuries-old trees stand quietly, each with its own legend. Some were once sacred guardian trees that protected villages, others are tied to myths of spirits, heroes, or moments of resilience.

Listening to his stories, we began to see the trees not just as part of the landscape, but as living witnesses of history and culture. The tour was more than a walk—it felt like entering into a dialogue between people and nature, past and present. For both visitors and locals, it was a rare opportunity to rediscover the neighborhood in a new light.

In the end, it wasn’t only about the trees we saw, but the way the experience touched us. Wandering under those ancient branches brought a sense of calm and connection, a reminder that healing can sometimes be found in the quiet company of trees.

Written by Michael