The small village became famous as a setting for Korean dramas.

According to the Korea Times, episodes 7 and 8 of the drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo, which aired last week, tell the story of a fictional village called Sodeok-dong that faces the threat of being divided when a planned road is built across it.

A centuries-old tree perched on a small hill in the center of the village, also known as the "protective tree" and holding significant meaning for the local people, is also at risk of being cut down due to the project. In fact, the ancient tree featured in the film is located in Dongbu Village, Changwon City, South Gyeongsang Province. With a height of 16 meters and a circumference of 6.8 meters, it was designated as a protected object by the local government in 2015.

After the episodes aired, the small village with about 70 households unexpectedly became famous and attracted many tourists. Many people shared photos of themselves checking in at the location used as a filming spot on social media.

To make it easier for tourists to find the tree, locals have erected a sign at the village entrance. The Changwon city government has also promoted tourism. According to the city's official website, standing on the hilltop offers a panoramic view of Dongbu village as well as a section of the nearby Nakdong River.

In addition, the Korean Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) has decided to consider recognizing the ancient tree in the village as a natural monument. The agency also stated that the plan had been scheduled since last year, before the drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo aired.

"Considering its shape, age, and growing conditions, we believe the tree has cultural heritage value. We will soon consult with experts, local authorities, and residents to make a decision," CHA said in a statement on July 25.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo is currently the most popular drama in South Korea, consistently achieving high viewership ratings with each episode. The drama revolves around Woo Young Woo, a female lawyer with an IQ of 164 but suffering from autism spectrum disorder. The protagonist is portrayed as being able to memorize every book she reads, thus always achieving excellent academic results.

Anh Thi