A 100-year tradition of the Cheonan pear,
with Seonghwan-eup at its heart.
Cheonan, South Korea, possesses the perfect natural environment for growing pears.
The region's significant daily temperature swings produce exceptionally crisp, firm flesh and high sweetness.
Furthermore, for over a century, the deep-rooted expertise of local farmers—who truly understand the soil and the trees—has been passed down to cultivate the finest quality pears.
The 100-year tradition of Cheonan's Shingo pear began in Seonghwan-eup. The Shingo pear, Cheonan's signature specialty, has been grown in Seonghwan-eup since 1909, carrying on a history of more than 100 years.
The "Cheonan-ji" records the first pear tree planted in Songdeok-ri, Seonghwan-eup, in 1909, marking the origin of Cheonan pear cultivation.
In an orchard at 157-8 Daehong-ri, Seonghwan-eup, Cheonan-si, a pear tree marking its 100th year was discovered in 2009.
Cheonan-si commissioned an age analysis from the Forest Resources Division of the Korea Forest Research Institute, and tree-ring analysis officially confirmed the tree to be 95 to 100 years old.
The orchard donated this pear tree to Cheonan-si in June 2009, and the city planted it in the city hall garden and named it "Baeksaeri."
"Baeksaeri" means "a 100-year-old pear tree."
"Baeksaeri" is an old tree that has stood for 100 years,
measuring 37cm in diameter, 210cm in height, and 370cm in girth.
Every year it blooms beautifully with pear blossoms, carrying
a long history and a majestic, life-filled presence.
Seonghwan's soil, well suited to pear growing, and its wide daily temperature range provide the ideal environment for developing sweetness. Orchards on gentle slopes also benefit from good drainage and abundant sunlight, creating favorable conditions for healthy pear production.
On November 20, 2009, a monument commemorating 100 years of Cheonan
pear cultivation was erected in Seongwol-ri, Seonghwan-eup. The monument depicts sky, earth,
and people carefully nurturing the Cheonan pear.
Cast in bronze from a CT scan of an actual pear to capture its exact form, this
golden pear sculpture symbolizes the excellence and value of the Cheonan pear.
Mt. Taejo of the Charyeong mountain range sits at the region's center, and the Anseong, Biho, and Gokgyo streams flow through Cheonan, supplying abundant agricultural water year-round. Most of the area consists of gently sloping plains at about a 15-degree grade, providing geographic conditions well suited to crop cultivation. This natural environment enhances the stability and productivity of Cheonan agriculture, contributing to the production of high-quality farm produce.