Animals & Pets Archives | Be Korea-savvy

Archive by category Animals & Pets

Captive Beluga’s Fate in Limbo as Release Plans Face Delays

Captive Beluga’s Fate in Limbo as Release Plans Face Delays

SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Korea Bizwire) – With their distinctive white skin, prominent melons, and upturned mouths that give the appearance of a perpetual smile, beluga whales have captured hearts worldwide. These charismatic marine mammals, known for their sociable nature, are estimated to number around 136,000 in the wild, primarily inhabiting Arctic waters.  While capable of traveling [...]

Majority of South Korea’s Wild Asiatic Black Bears Unaccounted for, Raising Concerns

Majority of South Korea’s Wild Asiatic Black Bears Unaccounted for, Raising Concerns

SEOUL, Oct. 18 (Korea Bizwire) – More than half of South Korea’s wild Asiatic black bears, also known as moon bears, are currently unaccounted for, according to data released by the Ministry of Environment. The report, obtained by Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Yong-woo of the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee, reveals that out of 89 [...]

South Korea’s Animal Shelters Strain Under Burden of Abandoned Pets

South Korea’s Animal Shelters Strain Under Burden of Abandoned Pets

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Korea Bizwire) – In a cramped 33-square-meter apartment in Seoul, 14 cats huddle among stacked metal kennels and cardboard boxes. This makeshift animal shelter, one of many across South Korea, exemplifies the growing crisis of pet abandonment in a country where pet ownership has soared to over 10 million households. Despite the rise [...]

Buddhist Temple Holds Unique Memorial for Animals and Plants

Buddhist Temple Holds Unique Memorial for Animals and Plants

GANGNEUNG, Oct. 2 (Korea Bizwire) – In a unique blend of Buddhism and environmental consciousness, Hyeondeok Temple in Gangneung is preparing for its annual memorial service dedicated to animals and plants on October 12. The event, now in its 23rd year, stands as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings. Under the theme [...]

Once Nearly Extinct, Asiatic Black Bears Make a Comeback in South Korea

Once Nearly Extinct, Asiatic Black Bears Make a Comeback in South Korea

SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Korea Bizwire) – The Asiatic black bear, a symbol of South Korea’s efforts to protect endangered species, has been named October’s Endangered Wildlife of the Month by the Ministry of Environment, highlighting a noteworthy conservation success story. Just over two decades ago, these bears, known for the distinctive white crescent on their chests, [...]

South Korea Allocates 100 Billion Won to End Dog Meat Industry by 2027

South Korea Allocates 100 Billion Won to End Dog Meat Industry by 2027

SEOUL, Sept. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – The South Korean government has announced a comprehensive plan to phase out the country’s dog meat industry by 2027, allocating more than 100 billion won in next year’s budget to support the closure of nearly 6,000 dog meat businesses nationwide. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs unveiled its [...]

In South Korea, a 20-Year Effort Brings Bears Back From the Brink

In South Korea, a 20-Year Effort Brings Bears Back From the Brink

SEOUL, Sept. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – Two decades after its inception, South Korea’s ambitious project to restore the Asiatic black bear population has exceeded expectations, transforming from a conservation effort into a lesson in coexistence between humans and wildlife. The Ministry of Environment and the Korea National Park Service announced they will host a policy forum [...]

Controversy Erupts Over Live Dog Delivery Listings on South Korean E-Commerce Giant

Controversy Erupts Over Live Dog Delivery Listings on South Korean E-Commerce Giant

SEOUL, Sept.11 (Korea Bizwire) –  Coupang, South Korea’s leading e-commerce platform, found itself embroiled in controversy after listings offering to ship live puppies via courier service appeared on its site, sparking outrage among animal rights advocates and raising questions about the company’s content monitoring practices. According to industry sources, two listings appeared on Coupang’s platform on [...]

Seoul Expands Pet Care Services for Single-Person Households

Seoul Expands Pet Care Services for Single-Person Households

SEOUL, Sept. 11 (Korea Bizwire) – The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on September 10 that it will extend its Neighborhood Pet Care Center service to single-person households, broadening support for pet owners who need to leave their animals for extended periods.  This initiative, coming just before the Chuseok holiday, widens the eligibility criteria from the previous [...]

Wild Raccoon Dogs Appear in Songdo, Prompting Public Caution

Wild Raccoon Dogs Appear in Songdo, Prompting Public Caution

SEOUL, Sept. 5 (Korea Bizwire) – Residents of Songdo, a new urban development near Incheon, are facing an unexpected challenge: the emergence of wild raccoon dogs in the heart of their meticulously planned community. According to the Incheon Facilities Corporation, there have been numerous sightings of raccoon dogs in urban parks such as Central Park and [...]