Ecologist Shin Joon Hwan Advocates for Replacement of Japanese Cherry Trees in South Korea
Last week, ecologist Shin Joon Hwan took a stroll along a road lined with cherry trees on the verge of blooming in Gyeongju, South Korea. As he examined the fine hairs around the dark red buds of the common Japanese Yoshino cherry trees, he pondered the implications of their presence in the land of his ancestors.
Mr. Shin, a former director of South Korea’s national arboretum, is leading an advocacy group that aims to replace the Yoshino cherry trees with a native South Korean variety known as the king cherry. The group believes that the Yoshino trees, originally planted during Japan’s colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula, do not belong in South Korea.
The debate over the origins of South Korea’s cherry trees is a complex one, intertwined with nationalist propaganda and genetic evolution. Cherry blossoms hold a significant place in Japanese culture, symbolizing impermanence and beauty. However, during Japan’s colonial rule, Yoshino cherry trees were planted in an effort to instill cultural refinement in the Korean population.
Mr. Shin’s project to replace Yoshino cherry trees with king cherries is a reaction to decisions made by Japanese authorities over a century ago. While some critics argue that the distinction between the two varieties is not clear-cut, others support the initiative to restore a sense of Korean identity to the country’s landscape.
With only about 200 king cherry trees growing naturally in South Korea, Mr. Shin’s group aims to replace all Yoshinos by 2050. Their efforts have already begun with surveys of cherry trees in prominent locations like the National Assembly in Seoul and the port district of Jinhae.
As Mr. Shin continues his mission to replace Japanese cherry trees with native Korean varieties, the debate over the cultural and historical significance of these trees remains ongoing. Ultimately, his goal is to create a more balanced representation of both Korean and Japanese cherry trees for people around the world to appreciate.
