A massive daenggual mushroom, locally known for its impressive size and rapid emergence, was found again at the foot of Mount Jiri in Namwon, North Jeolla Province. The discovery marks the thirteenth consecutive year that the fungus has appeared in this part of South Korea, reinforcing its status as a natural curiosity.
A Persistent Natural Phenomenon
The specimen was spotted by 63‑year‑old farmer Ju Ji‑hwan while tending his black‑raspberry crops. The field, once an apple orchard, now serves as a fertile ground for the mushroom’s growth, a shift that has not hindered its development.
Measuring roughly 30 centimeters across, the mushroom sports a smooth white surface that gradually darkens to a light brown as it matures. Its swift appearance follows the recent monsoon rains, which have accelerated its growth within just a few days.
The mushroom’s reappearance is not new; the first recorded sightings date back to 2014, when only two or three individuals were noted. Since then, the annual count has risen to between five and eight, suggesting a growing suitability of the local micro‑climate.
Experts attribute the phenomenon to a lingering mycelial network in the soil. When temperature and moisture conditions align — typically during summer and early autumn — the mycelium produces fruiting bodies that can reach extraordinary dimensions.
Beyond its size, the daenggual mushroom is traditionally valued for its hemostatic and detoxifying properties, a reputation that continues to attract both cultural interest and scientific scrutiny.
The surrounding region, encompassing Mount Jiri, the nearby Hwasin village, and the broader Sannae‑myeon area, offers a mosaic of organic‑rich habitats — from bamboo groves to grasslands — that nurture the fungus each year.