Jeongipum Pine Tree (보은 속리 정이품송)

Jeongipum Pine Tree is a single 600-year-old pine standing in front of Songnisan National Park in Boeun, Chungcheongbuk-do — and it holds the rare distinction of having an aristocratic court rank. According to legend, when King Sejo's procession passed beneath it in 1464 the tree obligingly lifted its branches, and the king awarded it the rank of jeong-i-pum, equivalent to a senior minister. The tree itself is a sweeping umbrella shape about fifteen meters tall, supported now by stout wooden props. A small pavilion lets visitors view it from the proper angle without crossing the protective rope. It's a ten-minute photo stop on the way to Beopjusa Temple.