Written by: Meghana Jayaraj, Kolkata, West Bengal
Edited by: Tahoora Charfare, Yanbu, Saudi Arabia
The Korean Peninsula is known for its diverse climate, which features a range of temperature zones and ample rainfall. This unique environment supports a rich biodiversity, with a total of 18,217 animal species recorded in South Korea. Among these, 246 species are considered endangered, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. While the number of wild animals may be limited, the country is home to a variety of fascinating species that reflect its ecological diversity. Here is a list of some of these remarkable animals:
Siberian tiger
The Siberian Tiger (호랑이- horang-i) is South Korea’s national animal and a significant cultural icon. They are the largest cats in the world. The Siberian Tigers once roamed around the forests of South Korea unfortunately, they are now among the endangered species in Korea.
Lynx
The Lynx (스라소니- seurasoni) is another native cat of South Korea, like a tiger but in a smaller version. This cat has a coat covered with beautiful thick fur. The fur is a barrier against harsh temperatures and keeps them warm during extreme winters.
Picture credits: koreatravelpost
Wild Boar
The Wild Boar (멧돼지- metdwaeji) is a dark coarse furred animal, a type of wild pig which is big and strong. It is fast and can also harm humans. They roam freely in the mountainsides and, sometimes invade into cities and run through the streets in search of food. Wild boars have been spotted in congested locations.
Picture credits: koreatravelpost
Korean magpie
The Korean Magpie (까치- kkachi ) is South Korea’s national bird. The Korean magpie is like a tooth fairy, making sure that the kids grow new strong teeth. Though children don’t throw their teeth on the roof for magpies, it is still considered lucky if you spot one as they are considered a good omen.
Picture credits: wikimedia commons
Red-crowned crane
The Red-crowned Crane (두루미– durumi) is a tall bird which has an outstanding appearance, having a red patch of feathers on top of its head. It is the rarest crane in the world and is a symbol of luck, peace and longevity. It is also carved on the South Korean 500-won coin.
Picture credits: koreatravelpost
Amur leopard
The Amur Leopard (표범 – pyobeom) is one of the world’s rarest big cats, originally found across the Korean Peninsula. While it primarily inhabits the Russian Far East and northeastern China today, its conservation is important for South Korea. With fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild, efforts to protect this critically endangered species are essential for preserving biodiversity in the region.
Picture credits: koreatravelpost
Asian Black Bear
The Asian black bear (반달가슴곰 ) is additionally referred to as a moon bear regionally, for the distinctive white crescent on its chest. The Asian Black Bear feeds on insects, along with fruits, nuts, and different grasses. Historically these bears were found throughout the mainland; mount Jirisan and Seoraksan in South Korea
Picture credits: koreatravelpost
Siberian Musk Deer
Both males and females of the Siberian Musk Deer (사향노루) have long canines. It is a small deer that can walk through deep snow. They can also run extraordinarily fast to save themselves from predators. The South Korean Endangered Species List now includes the Siberian musk deer.
Picture credits: koreatravelpost
Korean goral
This is the species of Wild Goat (산양- san-yang), residing in rocky areas or caves where other animals have difficulty finding. They can be found mainly in mountain regions. Historically the Gorals were found throughout the Taebaek Mountains. Gorals can eat a good range of grass, wild fruits, and leaves. Gorals have increased in number, around 700-800 now.
Picture credits: koreatravelpost
In addition to the diverse wildlife of South Korea mentioned above, there are many more to discover like Korean hare, Korean water deer, White–Naped Cranes, etc. South Korea is devoid of huge carnivores but, there are still a few dangerous insects and snakes in the country. Governments and conservationists work together to ensure that the country is still home to a remarkably diverse range of wild animals.
You must have heard about the wild boars and the significance of tigers in K-Dramas! Do let us know in the comment section if you have heard about any of these animals mentioned above.
Amazing 🤩
Well written and nicely researched, waiting for more🤩
Thank You for the informative article 😃👍
Wow!! I really like the facts about Wild Boar
Much needed to know 🥰
When I first read about the Siberian tiger , i got this thought where our country national animal also tiger. So both countries have much more similarities
Nice…. getting to know about more things related to Korea
Wow so many animals. Amur leopard is the cutest.
Wow interesting facts 👏 👌 🤔
That Lynx was so cool!!! Overall, the article was interesting 😺
Amazing😍
Amazing😍
Amazing article
Amazing 🤩
As a language learner ita a really helpful and great article. Because this article provided me some new information about these animals.
Awesome
💜💜
Great article
❤️
Never knew that, thanks for the information!!😍😍😍
😍😍
soo cool to know❤️
Nice💓
Well written article👏🤩
Thankyou for enhancing our knowledge 😊❣️
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Tamanna
💜💜💜💜
Wow fascinating 🤩🤩
Nice
🥰🥰😍
Amazing
The Magpie is so beautiful❤😍😍😍❤✨✨
Thanks for the information🙌
👍🏻✨
woww,intersting!
Wow… Amazing…
Lovely.
Magpie
Nice information 😍
So wonderful 😊
Wow interesting..
This article was really informative and interesting to read. Loved to know this much about Korean animals and birds
Loved to know abt Korean animal or birds ✨
두루미 is so beautiful.
Amazing things got to know today😍
It’s a very helpful article for me as language learner. Provides a lots of new information about these animals.
What an informative piece! 🌟 I never knew South Korea had such a rich variety of wildlife. The Siberian Tiger and Red-crowned Crane sound especially fascinating. It’s incredible how conservation efforts are working to protect these amazing species.
This article offers a fascinating glimpse into Korea’s rich biodiversity. I appreciate how it highlights not only the unique characteristics of each animal but also their significance in the ecosystem and culture. It’s inspiring to learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect these incredible species!❤️❤️❤️
well written , artical
💜💜🫶🏻🫶🏻❤️❤️✨️✨️
So helpful thank you!
Very useful article for those who really want to know about Korean Native Animals.
📌🫶South Korea is home to a rich variety of native animals, reflecting its diverse ecosystems. Iconic species include the Korean goral, a goat-like animal often found in mountainous regions, and the Amur leopard, one of the most endangered big cats. The Siberian tiger, once native to Korea, holds cultural significance though it is now extinct in the wild there. South Korea also boasts unique birds like the Korean magpie, often regarded as a symbol of good luck. These native animals are an integral part of South Korea’s natural heritage and efforts continue to preserve and protect them through conservation initiatives.📌🫶
Explained really well, interesting