Jeju Island is gradually removing its iconic palm trees from city streets. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
JEJU, Nov. 5 (Korea Bizwire) – In a significant shift from its 1980s urban planning, Jeju Island is gradually removing its iconic palm trees from city streets, marking the end of an era in the island’s landscape design.
The Jeju City government announced on November 4 that it plans to replace approximately 100 Washington palm trees along a 1.2-kilometer stretch from the Tapdong E-mart to Jeju Port with native species such as tree lilacs (Chionanthus retusus) next year.
The city began its palm tree replacement initiative in 2021, introducing various alternative species including tree lilacs, hydrangeas, and Japanese blueberry trees.
To date, 549 palm trees (41.4%) out of the total 1,325 planted across 20 areas in Jeju City have been replaced. By next year, nearly half of the original palm trees will have been substituted with alternative species.
The palm trees, initially planted in 1982 to create a tropical ambiance, have become a safety concern due to their rapid growth. Mature trees can reach heights of 15-27 meters, equivalent to a three-story apartment building, posing various risks to public safety.
“The palm trees have proven unsuitable as urban street trees,” a Jeju City official explained. “They create safety hazards during typhoons and strong winds, with falling fronds and sharp-edged flower stalks threatening pedestrians.
The trees also require expensive annual pruning using high-reach crane trucks.” Additionally, the tall palms have caused power outages by interfering with high-voltage lines.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
