The Songchon chestnut tree, a precious living monument, stands as a symbol of pride and heritage in the Songchon area of South Phyongan Province. This unique tree produces a late-ripening variety of chestnuts known for their rich flavor and distinctive characteristics. The chestnuts, easily peeled thanks to their smooth inner skin, have become a local specialty celebrated for their exceptional quality.
Believed to have been planted around 1947, the Songchon chestnut tree has grown into an impressive figure, reaching an average height of 12 meters. Its robust stature, with a root neck circumference of 1.5 meters and a chest height of 1.3 meters, supports a wide crown spanning 10 meters. The tree’s slow growth and gracefully drooping branches give it a distinctive appearance, while its natural resistance to cold ensures its enduring presence in the region.
The tree flowers from mid to late June, filling the air with its delicate blooms. By late September and early October, its fruit ripens, offering a bounty of small, round chestnuts nestled in protective burs. Each bur typically holds three chestnuts, occasionally two. The nuts, with their elliptical shape, light brown bark, and pointed tips, weigh between 7 and 8 grams each, offering a satisfying texture and taste.
Rich in nutrients, the dried chestnuts contain 64.5% starch, 13.4% sugar, and 9.6% protein, making them not only a culinary delight but also a source of valuable sustenance. Their academic and economic significance adds to their renown, as they represent both the scientific curiosity and the practical value of Songchon’s natural treasures.
The Songchon chestnut tree, with its enduring legacy and cultural importance, continues to inspire admiration and pride in the people of South Phyongan Province, standing tall as a testament to the region’s rich natural heritage.