The roadside tree-planting in Korea has been observed from the 15th century back, said Dr. Han Myong Gil, a teacher of Kim Il Sung University in the DPRK, adding:

Historical data show that an ordinance was issued in 1405, the early period of the Feudal Joson Dynasty (1392-1910), to plant trees along the roads in the city of Seoul.

According to historical records, the country's main roads in 1441 were distinguished by landmarks or trees and an ordinance was issued in 1453 to plant pine, pear, chestnut, willow and other suitable trees on both sides of roads on the outskirts of Seoul from next spring.

Meanwhile, various kinds of trees, including gingko, had been planted around government offices, Buddhist temples and other buildings and residential quarters as well as on roadsides there. Some of the then trees remain alive still now.

This tradition of the Korean nation is steadily carried forward under the policy of the DPRK government that calls for turning the whole country into a thick woodland and greenery.