The stele, titled 'Commemorative tree planting for former President Yoon Suk-yeol,' which was installed at the entrance of Byeongsanseowon in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has disappeared, prompting an investigation by the relevant authorities.
According to Andong City on the 2nd, on Oct. 27, 2023, former President Yoon Suk-yeol planted commemorative trees at two locations, the Gyeongsangbuk-do Office and Byeongsanseowon, after a meeting with the local Confucian scholars in Andong. Subsequently, a black stele inscribed with 'Commemorative tree planting President Yoon Suk-yeol' was erected in front of Byeongsanseowon.
Byeongsanseowon, designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage site, requires the national registration cultural heritage alteration reporting process when erecting trees or stele. However, Andong City stated that the commemorative tree and stele in question did not follow such procedures.
An official from Andong City said, "The Seowon Integrated Management Center has reported that the stele at Byeongsanseowon has disappeared and is currently under verification."