Spring, octopus tree

Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, the “octopus tree” stretches its weathered branches into the soft morning light, its silhouette etched against a sea of mist below. Pink azaleas burst into bloom at its base, adding a vibrant contrast to the rugged terrain. The scene, captured by photographer Jaeyoun Ryu, evokes a sense of resilience and renewal. As the sun rises, the fog gently parts, revealing distant mountain peaks and a sky transitioning from pale blue to golden hues. This is nature’s quiet triumph—life persisting and flourishing in the most dramatic of settings.