Key facts
- Residents of Seoul's Buam-dong neighborhood suspect the Whanki Museum of poisoning a local ginkgo tree.
- The tree, affectionately called 'Grandpa Ginkgo,' is believed to be over 100 years old.
- Community members observed green leaves falling from the tree out of season and a 'rotting carpet' of leaves.
- Security footage showed men near the tree base with a drill, and residents suspect herbicide was administered via funnels.
- The Whanki Museum claimed the tree's roots were damaging its outer wall and that it took action after no response from property owners.
- A local council inspection found no significant link between the tree and damage to the museum wall.
Residents in Seoul's Buam-dong neighborhood have become embroiled in a dispute with the Whanki Museum, suspecting it of poisoning a beloved, century-old ginkgo tree. The tree, affectionately nicknamed 'Grandpa Ginkgo' by locals, has been visibly suffering, with green leaves falling prematurely and its branches turning bare and brown. Community members, led by a resident identified as Jung, formed a group of amateur detectives after noticing the tree's decline.
Their suspicions were heightened by the discovery of white plastic funnels near the tree's base and security camera footage showing two men near the tree with a drill in late April. Residents recalled that the Whanki Museum had previously requested permission to remove the tree, citing that its roots were straining the museum's outer brick wall, which is situated inches from the trunk. The community believes the funnels were used to administer herbicide.
When confronted by residents and police, a museum employee allegedly admitted the museum had taken action against the tree. The Whanki Museum has not publicly confirmed or denied injecting herbicide but issued a statement in May asserting that its wall was collapsing due to the ginkgo's roots and that it had attempted to resolve the situation after receiving no response from property owners. However, a local council representative told the BBC that an inspection last year found no significant connection between the tree and damage to the museum wall.
Residents have filed a police report against the museum's director, and an investigation is underway. An arborist who examined the tree indicated it was severely damaged, estimating it to be '90% of the way toward death.' The campaign to save 'Grandpa Ginkgo' has also brought the community closer, with neighbors supporting each other during the ordeal.