Even considered as living fossils, ginkgoes are old trees that inhabit in Korea, Japan and China.  It is said that those were brought into the country together with Confucianism and Buddhism when they were introduced from China.  Their fall foliage is very beautiful and they are not damaged by blight and harmful insects and provide wide and thick shade, they are often planted to serve as arbors or roadside trees.  

Ginkgo in Yeongwol is estimated to be about 1,000~1,200 years old and 18m in height and 14.9m in girth.  At first, it was in front of Daejeongsa (Temple) but now it stands in the middle of the village because the temple was vanished and houses have been built around.  It is said that as original branches withered away, the present branches have been from sprouts.  Now it serves as a shady resting place in the village.  According to the inhabitants' account in the village, animals or insects cannot approach this tree because an extraordinary snake lives in it.  Also another legend says that although young children fall down from the tree, they wouldn't get injured and if someone pray for children, he/she can have one.

As big old Ginkgo in Yeongwol is very valuable for not only biological material but also what enables us observe religious and cultural life styles of our ancestors, it is designated and protected Natural Monument.