Although sakura trees were already indigenous to Korea, other sakura trees were planted in Korea before World War II by Japanese annexation in locations that Koreans found to be offensive such as sites where ancient palaces once stood, like Gyeongbokgung palace. Most of these trees were later cut down and removed by the locals, complaining that the sakura trees reminded Koreans of Japan's imperialism age in Korea, but areas where sakura had been blossoming for millennia were left alone. Ironically, sakura trees were replanted by Koreans for appreciation again after having been cut in regions such as Cheju Island
