The Weeping Willows of Jahayeon Pond

With the passing of time, we often find ourselves faced with the challenge of saying farewell. This coming June, the SNU Gwanak Campus will have to bid goodbye to two of the longest members of the SNU community: the Weeping Willows of Jahayeon.

All members of the SNU community will have passed by the Weeping Willows at some point. Since the establishment of SNU’s Gwanak Campus in 1975, this pair of Salix pseudolaisogyne have stood guard at the front of Jahayeon Pond, watching over the university as it underwent various developments. The long leaves turning lush and green were always the first to signal the end of the cold and the start of the warm and breezy weather. The sturdy trees were a constant in the changing environment of the campus.

The upcoming felling of the willows therefore may come as a shock to many. Despite appearing as though they would accompany the campus for an eternity, the willows have reportedly been unwell for some time. A careful examination found that the interior of the willows had decayed and in 2021, both willows underwent surgery to nurse them back to health. Unfortunately, however, a recent evaluation deemed that the risk of the trees falling due to decay was still too high, leading to the university’s decision to fell the trees for the safety of the community.

The “Goodbye Willows” Event

The “Goodbye Willows” Event

In light of the decision, an event was held so that SNU members had the chance to properly say goodbye to the willows. Titled “Goodbye Willows,” the event was held between May 13 and 14. A small booth was organized in front of the Jahayeon Pond, next to the Willows, where members could write final messages to them. The messages were exhibited next to the trees and ranged from ones thanking them for their years to those saying they would miss them. There was also a small photo booth where members could take a photo with the Willows. These are some of the messages that were written:

“I can’t believe our journey together ends here. Adios.”

“To the Weeping Willows who made my twenties memorable. Thank you for your time.
Please rest peacefully.”

“You guys were my favorite trees. You will be the ones I think of when I think of summer. Farewell.”

“Thank you for keeping us company. I will miss you.”

“I hope you are reborn as beautifully as you are today.”

Students Writing Messages to the Willows

Messages Written to the Willows

The absence of the Willows starting this summer may lead to Jahayeon Pond feeling empty for a while. However, considering how sprouts of Weeping Willows usually grow from the tree roots that are left behind after felling, we can look forward to the possibility of natural regeneration.

Written by Yeryoung Lee, SNU English Editor, yeryounglee@snu.ac.kr