Preventing Pine AIDS for Greener Korea


Date: March 3, 2005
The Chosun Ilbo

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"If this keeps up, the pine trees of Nam-san will all dry up and turn into pileof ashes. If the national tree will become extinct, the Korean soul will vanish."

The recent spread of the "Pine Wilt Disease" has stirred up some 100 prominent figures in the art world to save our pine trees. They formed an association called "Solbaram Moim" meaning Pine Breeze Society. The Society petitioned for enactment of special law on the prevention of the disease.

In late last year outbreak had been reported in Pohang and Gyeongju, and spread through 38 areas. 70 plus trees had already been affected and is expected to expand through Baekkdu Daegan Mountain System in a very quick pace. President Cheon of the Society said that we weren＇t able to exterminate the pine beetle which works as the prime carrier at the early stage. He also added that unless some budget and man power is put in, the tree representing our soul will die out.

He mentioned that traditionally when Koreans are born, pine tree branches are tied to straw ropes, grow up in houses built by pine tree, make fire with pine twigs, use machine and furniture made of pine trees, and when we die we are buried in pine caskets. We ate pine barks when we had nothing to eat. He added that we can＇t leave the tree representing our soul and traditions to die.

The Society(www.solbaram.or.kr) was formed in February of last year and is trying to find artistic motivation and inspiration through pine forest excursions. Many artists have performed various activities such as holding pine tree art exhibitions, publishing poem collection, etc.

Translated by Int＇l Cooperation Division
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