President Park Chung-hee's Kaizuka tree was planted in December 1978 to commemorate the completion of Yeongbingwan. Located initially beside a column of Yeongbingwan, it was moved to the side of the wall between Yeongbingwan and the security unit during the expansion and renovation of the plaza in front of Yeongbingwan.
The Kaizuka tree, native to Japan, was first introduced to Korea during the early Japanese occupation and has since been widely planted at government offices, parks, and schools. Unlike the common juniper, it is characterized chiefly by non-prickly scale leaves rather than needle leaves.
President Park showed a strong determination in pursuing reforestation alongside economic development plans. Naturally, he planted numerous trees within Cheong Wa Dae, like paulownia, chestnut, persimmon, apricot, and golden rain trees. However, after over 40 years and with new buildings constructed, only one tree he planted remains as his memorial tree within Cheong Wa Dae.
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