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| yna@yna.co.kr 2021-08-09 16:56:20
SEOUL, Aug. 9 (Yonhap) -- Footprint fossils left in large quantities by various animals, including the Cretaceous dinosaurs and pterosaurs of the Mesozoic Era, will become natural monuments in Jeongchon, Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province.
The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on Monday that it will designate the "Tracksite of Cretaceous Dinosaurs and Pterosaurs in Jeongchon, Jinju," a document showing the behavior patterns and environment of animals that lived on the Korean Peninsula about 100 million years ago.
In Jeongchon, Jinju, around 10,000 fossil footprints have been found in fossil mountainous areas and it is considered to have high footprint density and left by various animals.
In particular, the trails of more than 7,000 footprints of two-legged dinosaurs are known to have been made by carnivorous dinosaurs collectively walking together. In Korea, there are fossilized dinosaur footprints around the southern coast, however the footprints of carnivorous dinosaur are rare to observe.
Out of the footprints found in Jeongchon, the small footprints are only about 2 centimeters long. On the other hand, large carnivorous dinosaur footprints are 50 centimeters long.
In addition, footprints of herbivorous dinosaurs, which have 1 meter long back foots, and reptiles such as pterosaurs, crocodiles and turtles have been identified as well.
"The tracksite found in Jeongchon, Jinju, is an unique example in terms of footprint density, diversity, and academic value, so it is safe to designate it as a natural monument," an official of the Cultural Heritage Administration emphasized.
Meanwhile, the maple tree in Naejangsan Mountain, Jeongeup, and Saw-leaf Zelkova of Garimsong Fortress, Buyeo, which were both expected to be designated in June became natural monuments as well.
The maple tree, a natural monument located in Geumseon Valley on Naejang Mountain, Jeongeup, is famous for its autumn foliage and is the largest and oldest maple tree. The maple tree is a symbolic tree representing Mt. Naejang, and there is also a legend that the mountain god, who was touched by a child's filial piety in search of his lost mother, made the leaves on the tree turn red.
The age of the maple tree is estimated to be about 290 years old. It is 16.9 meters tall and 20.3 meters wide in the east-west direction and 18.1 meters in the north-south direction. The circumference of the stump is 1.13 m while the chest of the tree is 0.94 m.
Despite its poor surrounding environment, the maple tree was able to grow out its roots for a long time amid the steep slope and stones. The tree was evaluated to be of great value in terms of natural scenery and academics due to its good condition and magnificent form.
The maple tree on Naejang Mountain is the first example of a maple tree becoming a natural monument. In addition, another natural heritage related to maple trees is the "Forest of Maple Trees at Munsusa Temple, Gochang."
Zelkova trees in Buyeo are estimated to be over 400 years old. It is 22 meters tall and 5.4 meters around the chest. The width of the tree is 20.2 meters in the east-west and 23.5 meters in south-north directions.
Some of the branches resemble the shape of hearts, so the Zelkova tree is sometimes called "love trees," and they have become famous by appearing in various dramas and movies.
The Zelkova tree is located at the southern gate of the mountain, 220 meters above sea level overlooking the Baekma River. Although the root was exposed to strong wind and a rough environment, it still remained prominent as well as a strong growth.
Compared to the previous 18 Zelkova trees designated as natural monuments, it is not large in size, but it is acknowledged for its healthy and intact appearance, which harmonizes well with the surrounding scenery.
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