Cheongju City sparks debate over heart-shaped ginkgo tree street

Cheongju City has sparked debate following the creation of a ‘heart-shaped tree street’ near its temporary city hall. The 350-meter stretch features 41 ginkgo trees that were pruned into heart shapes, a project costing approximately 14 million won.

The initiative received recognition from the Korea Forest Service, ranking second in its ‘Top 5 Street Tree Management’ competition. While the unique landscape has become a popular social media landmark attracting numerous visitors, it has also drawn criticism from environmental groups and some citizens.

Critics, including the Chungbuk Environmental Movement Federation, argue that the excessive pruning is unnatural and potentially harmful to the trees' health. In response, Cheongju City stated that ginkgo trees are a resilient species and that the current pruning level does not significantly impede their growth or survival. The city is currently considering expanding the project by adding more heart-shaped trees.