The yew tree communities Sobaeksan, each consisting of about 100 trees, are located along the western ridge at altitudes of 1,200 to 1,400 meters. Due to the ever present strong winds in the area, the average height of the trees reaches only about seven meters.
An old saying has it that a yew tree can remain standing for 1,000 years while alive and another 1,000 years while dead. This is a reference to the good quality of its timber and its long-lasting hardwood.
During the Chosun Kingdom, yew trees were used to produce regal crowns and furniture for the royal palaces. They were also planted in gardens, but only in those of the royal palaces and of high level court officials.