Examination on Tree Species and Korean Tree View Based on Korean Folktales

Abstract

This study was carried out to infer the Korean view of trees by analysing tree species, appearance frequency of trees and meaning of trees in stories that has been passed on orally. But, it is focused on only stories that tree is main motif of the story. The results of this study are as follows. Most frequently shown tree is Pinus densiflora. It shows that Pinus densiflora. has a close relation to the life and culture of Korean. Also, familiar trees which are closely connected to daily life such as Ginkgo biloba, Zelkova serrata, Phyllostachys bambusoides, Salix koreensis. and fruit trees used to appear. And hardwoods are more frequent than conifers. It indicates that hardwoods are more familiar with people than conifers. From the analysis of meanings of trees in stories, it shows that trees are the source of life, richness, and happiness and magical symbols that let people realize the way of the world. Also, trees are targets for communicating with people by personifying.