Pigeon-feeding in Gwanghwamun Square, parks to be fined starting July
Those caught feeding the pigeons in major public areas such as Gwanghwamun Square, parks along the Hangang River and Seoul Forest will face an up to 1 million won ($672) fine starting in July, Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday.
The new measure enforces a ban on feeding animals legally designated as "harmful wild animals" at 38 spots across the city. The ban is effective across the parks under direct management of the city government and all 11 official Hang River parks. Namsan Park, World Cup Park, Dream Forest in Gangbuk-gu, northern Seoul, and Seoul Grand Park -- a city-run park and zoo located in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, but run by Seoul -- are among the major tourist spots included in this new measure.
A fine of 200,000 won will be imposed on the first offense, which jumps to 500,000 won the second time and 1 million won the third time.
Seoul said the new measure is a response to public complaints about the proliferation of pigeons, which have caused concerns ranging from hygiene issues due to feces and feathers to building erosion and other damage.
The feeding ban follows a January revision of the Wildlife Protection and Management Act that gave heads of regional governments the authority to take such action.
"Harmful wild animals" refers to species designated by the decree of the Ministry of Environment as inflicting harm on either human life or assets.
Pigeons, commonly found in metropolitan areas, along with the oriental turtle dove, are classified as a harmful species due to their excessive population in certain regions.
However, this designation does not permit unrestricted hunting or killing of these animals. Those wishing to hunt them must obtain government authorization for specific periods and areas designated for hunting.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Korea Herald
Seoul's former military bunker turns into Enhypen pop-up space
An underground military bunker in Yeouido, home to South Korea's finance and investment banking business in Yeondeungpo-gu, western Seoul, is set to be used as a pop-up for K-pop group Enhypen, the city said Wednesday. The bunker — which is near the Yeouido bus transfer center and was used for security purposes for the president in the late 1970s — was previously opened to the public for educational purposes for the school students in mid 2010s. It was turned into an art exhibition space in 2017, but the Seoul Metropolitan Government said it had renovated the space for the upcoming pop-up event 'Maison Enhypen,' which begins Thursday. The city government said programs ranging from a stamp tour and special photo booth to a music room playing Enhypen-curated playlists will be offered there, adding that the underground bunker's unique characteristics will allow many people to immerse themselves into the artist's musical world. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis at the event venue. The on-site reservation will be opened 30 minutes before the opening time, which varies depending on the day of the week. The pop-up is open from 2 p.m. and 11 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, respectively. While 'Maison Enhypen' begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, the event will start from 11 a.m. from Sunday until June 14, when the event ends.
Korea Herald
15-05-2025
- Korea Herald
Five new cubs born in Korean red fox restoration project
Seoul Grand Park successfully bred five endangered Korean red foxes last month, marking a second consecutive year of successful reproduction, officials said Thursday. The achievement comes as part of a restoration project launched in 2012 by the Environment Ministry and Korea National Park Service to reintroduce the native fox, also known as the Korean red fox, to the wild. Seoul Grand Park signed a research agreement with the national park authority in 2022 and brought in foxes for breeding. Last year, five cubs were born. With the latest births, the park now houses 16 native foxes. As of September last year, approximately 120 native foxes were confirmed to be living in the wild nationwide, according to the Environment Ministry. The Korean red fox is classified as a first-grade endangered species under the Wildlife Protection and Management Act, along with tigers, otters, black bears, wolves and true seals. Capturing or collecting these animals is punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine ranging from 5 million to 50 million won. Seoul Grand Park plans to eventually release the foxes into the wild after training them to adapt to their natural environment, in cooperation with organizations including the National Institute for Wildlife Conservation. shinjh@
Korea Herald
15-05-2025
- Korea Herald
Five new cubs born in Korean red fox restoration project
Seoul Grand Park successfully bred five endangered Korean red foxes last month, marking a second consecutive year of successful reproduction, officials said Thursday. The achievement comes as part of a restoration project launched in 2012 by the Environment Ministry and Korea National Park Service to reintroduce the native fox, also known as the Korean red fox, to the wild. Seoul Grand Park signed a research agreement with the national park authority in 2022 and brought in foxes for breeding. Last year, five cubs were born. With the latest births, the park now houses 16 native foxes. As of September last year, approximately 120 native foxes were confirmed to be living in the wild nationwide, according to the Environment Ministry. The Korean red fox is classified as a first-grade endangered species under the Wildlife Protection and Management Act, along with tigers, otters, black bears, wolves and true seals. Capturing or collecting these animals is punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine ranging from 5 million to 50 million won. Seoul Grand Park plans to eventually release the foxes into the wild after training them to adapt to their natural environment, in cooperation with organizations including the National Institute for Wildlife Conservation.
