Hamhung Pine, Natural Monument

Pyongyang, August 9 (KCNA) -- In the DPRK, there are many pine trees specially designated and protected as natural monuments.

Among them is Hamhung Pine in Hungdok District, Hamhung City, South Hamgyong Province.

The 400-odd-year-old tree is a rare heteromorphic pine.

Its trunk is inclined southeastward and then split into two branches, extending straight to the southwest.

Many twigs spread from the two branches to overhang the land and form a beautiful tray-shaped crown.

In August 1967 Chairman Kim Jong Il stressed the need to take good care of this tree, saying it is a rare one.

The tree, rare-to-be-seen in the world, is attracting the attention of experts for its significance in botanical research. -0-