Pine tree ranges more widely than other species in Korea and has been regarded as the national tree.

In this regard, KCNA met Jo Tae Il, chairman of the Folklore Society of the DPRK.

Jo said:

Pine represents the soul and spirit of the Korean nation.

From olden times, Koreans have considered pine forest as the top among natural sceneries. It is well evidenced by mural paintings of pine trees found in Ryongsan-ri tombs, which date back to the Koguryo Kingdom (B.C. 277-A.D. 688), and famous old Korean paintings.

Kim Hyong Jik, President Kim Il Sung's father who was an outstanding leader of the anti-Japanese national liberation movement, set forth an idea of "Aim High" and composed a poem "Green Pine on Nam Hill" in reflection of his firm pledge to bring about national independence at any cost.

True to Kim Hyong Jik's lofty aim, Kim Il Sung set on the revolutionary road in his early years to fight against the Japanese aggressors, finally liberating Korea from Japan's colonial rule.