The Seongheungsan love tree is a Japanese zelkova, over 400 years old, situated on Seongheungsan mountain within Garimseong fortress, Buyeo district. It has become a popular photo spot for tourists, especially couples, after being featured in music videos and TV dramas like Hotel Del Luna, Gurumi Green Moonlight, and The Lover.

The "love tree" after being combined. *Photo: Korea Landscape*

Its branches naturally form half a heart. By combining it with a reflection or through photo editing (flipping and merging), a complete heart shape can be created. This method of capturing memories is popular among visitors.

The ideal time to visit is at sunset, as the late afternoon light bathes the foliage in gold and the distant Geumgang river creates a romantic setting for the Seongheungsan love tree.

Tourists photograph the zelkova tree. *Photo: Korea Landscape*

Japanese zelkova trees thrive in warm temperate and subtropical climates, making them common in South Korea, Japan, and China. The tree flowers in May, with its disc-shaped fruit ripening in October.

The Seongheungsan tree stands approximately 22 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 5,5 meters, growing at an altitude of around 240 meters. Its main branches spread in four directions, branching diagonally. Years of strong winds at the mountaintop have exposed some of its roots, contributing to its ancient appearance. Due to its historical, scenic, and ecological significance, South Korea designated it as Natural Monument No. 564 in 2021.

To reach the Seongheungsan love tree, visitors can travel from Seoul to Buyeo district by train or bus, a journey of about two hours. From central Buyeo, take a taxi or bus to the base of Garimseong fortress. From the fortress's parking lot, a walk of approximately 200 meters leads to the tree.

By Tam Anh (according to Trip, Korea Heritage Service)