▲ Isaac Newton Apple Tree at KRISS

The Isaac Newton apple tree growing at KRISS (Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science) is grafted from a branch of the original tree at Woolsthorpe Manor, the home where Newton lived. This tree has a history linked to the East Malling Research Station in the UK, from where it was transferred to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) in 1943, and later to the National Bureau of Standards (NBS), now known as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in March 1957.

On February 22, 1977, during the establishment of KRISS's predecessor, the Korea Standards Research Institute (KSRI), the National Bureau of Standards (NBS), which played a pivotal role in its foundation, held a ceremonial planting event to symbolize Korea-U.S. scientific and technological cooperation. During this event, three apple tree grafts were made, grown at the Maryland nursery, and were donated to KSRI on October 3, 1978, via air shipment.

▲ Isaac Newton Apple Tree gifted by NBS (now NIST), 1977

▲ KRISS with NBS Director at the planting ceremony, 1978

After receiving this precious gift from NBS, KSRI carefully nurtured the apple trees for a year and a half. In celebration of Science Month, a commemorative planting ceremony was held in front of the Physics Lab. The event was attended by Dr. Ernest Ambler, the Director of NBS, domestic officials, and 50 children who were winners of a science competition.

In 2000 and 2003, to cultivate the next generation of apple trees, branches were pruned from the original tree and prepared for grafting. About a month later, on March 28, in collaboration with the Apple Lab in Chungju, approximately 30 saplings were grafted to grow into strong apple trees.

▲ Grafting of 30 branches with Chungju Apple Lab, 2000

▲ Two trees donated by KRISS to Seoul Science High School and Daejeon Science High School, 2002

On October 17, 2002, in celebration of the 27th anniversary of KRISS's founding, two saplings of the fourth generation, carefully nurtured over the years, were donated to Seoul Science High School and Daejeon Science High School, which are nurturing the future leaders of science and technology in Korea. One sapling was given to each school.

On May 10, 2006, a fourth-generation sapling of Newton's apple tree was planted on the KRISS lawn.

▲ 4th generation Newton's apple tree in KRISS, 2006

▲ Newton's apple tree died from Valsa canker, 2016

▲ The sibling apple trees planted in the garden of
the Physics Lab

▲ 4th generation Newton's apple tree donated by KRISS
to Sejong National Arboretum, 2006

Compared to regular apple trees, Newton's apple tree was more susceptible to diseases and pests. After initially being infected with Valsa canker in 2012, despite efforts to treat the tree, its condition worsened, and it passed away on June 20, 2016, when the last leaf withered.

On June 23, 2016, the sibling apple trees, which had been growing in KRISS's nursery, were planted in the garden in front of the Physics Lab.

KRISS donated the fourth-generation Newton's apple tree to the Successor Tree Garden at Sejong National Arboretum. The Successor Tree Garden at Sejong National Arboretum is dedicated to preserving the genetic resources of trees with symbolic and historical significance. In addition to Newton's apple tree, other notable trees such as the Jeongipumsong pine tree and the ginkgo tree from Yongmunsa Temple are also planted there.

The three saplings, which came from the United States and grew at KRISS, lived for about 30 years, with the last tree passing away in 2006. Currently, the fourth-generation apple tree, grafted from this tree, is growing on the KRISS lawn. It offers an opportunity for children, teenagers, and visitors to KRISS to experience a timeless encounter with Newton and his inspiring legacy. Furthermore, KRISS has donated fourth-generation apple trees to 16 institutions, including the Korea National Science Museum, Gwacheon National Science Museum, Seoul Science High School, Daejeon Science High School, and Sejong National Arboretum, enabling others to learn from Newton's scientific spirit.

Meanwhile, KRISS also has another apple tree donated from the United Kingdom. The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) of the UK received a Newton's apple tree from Sir Edward Salisbury, the Director of Kew Garden, in the spring of 1953. KRISS received a sapling grafted from this tree and brought it to KRISS. Currently, this Newton's apple tree is growing well in the KRISS nursery.

▲ Dr. Myung-Soo Kim, at the National Physical Laboratory (UK), 2004

In April 2004, Dr. Myung-Soo Kim from KRISS confirmed the sapling growing at the UK NPL. After receiving approval for importation in August 2004, the sapling was brought into Korea in October, where it was trial-planted, grafted, and later brought to KRISS.

The KRISS Isaac Newton apple tree blooms beautifully every year, producing apples, and is carefully tended to. Additionally, KRISS has created various souvenirs, such as calendars, postcards, and keychains, featuring drawings of Newton's apple tree, which are given to visitors and KRISS clients to help inspire scientific imagination. Furthermore, the name of the Day Care Center, which is attended by children of KRISS employees, is ‘KRISS Apple Tree Day Care Center,’ using it as a motif to instill scientific curiosity and dreams for the future in the growing minds of children.

▲ 2025 KRISS Calendar

▲ KRISS Commemorative Postcards

▲ KRISS Apple Tree Day Care Center