Yes, bears indeed live in Korea. The Asiatic black bear has a significant presence in the country’s mountainous regions. Their population is the focus of dedicated conservation efforts aimed at restoring their numbers and ensuring their long-term survival within the Korean ecosystem.
Korea’s Native Bear Species
The primary bear species found in Korea is the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus ussuricus). This subspecies has glossy black fur, round ears, a short muzzle, and a distinctive white, crescent-shaped chest patch, earning it the nickname “moon bear.” Adults measure between 138 and 192 centimeters in length and weigh from 80 to 200 kilograms.
These omnivorous bears consume a varied diet including tree fruits, acorns, honey, insects, bird eggs, roots, grains, small mammals, and carrion, adapting to seasonal food availability. During colder winter months, when food is scarce, they typically hibernate from November until March. While generally solitary, they seek out other bears during mating season.
Where These Bears Reside
Asiatic black bears in Korea primarily inhabit the country’s mountainous regions and national parks. Jirisan National Park, in the southern Korean Peninsula, is a central location for their population. This park has been the focal point of reintroduction programs and supports the largest known wild population.
These bears prefer dense forests, including broad-leaved and coniferous varieties, and are found at various altitudes. While they historically roamed widely, their current distribution concentrates in protected areas. Some individuals have begun dispersing into nearby areas like Deogyusan and Gayasan National Parks as their population grows. They generally avoid human-dense areas, preferring deep forests, and may migrate seasonally to different elevations for food.
Protecting Bear Populations
The Asiatic black bear holds protected status in Korea, designated as Natural Monument No. 329 in 1982 and classified as an endangered species in 1998. Since 2005, it has been recognized as a Class I endangered wildlife species, reflecting high protection under South Korean law. Historically, the species faced severe threats, including habitat loss from development and deforestation, and extensive poaching for gall bladders and paws used in traditional medicine. Eradication efforts during the Japanese occupation and habitat destruction during the Korean War also significantly reduced their numbers.
In response to their dwindling population, the South Korean government initiated a comprehensive restoration project in 2004. This program began with the reintroduction of six Asiatic black bears from Russia into Jirisan National Park, with additional bears from North Korea also released. The initial goal of establishing a population of 50 bears by 2020 was surpassed, with current estimates placing the Jirisan area population at 80 to 90 individuals.
Conservation efforts involve continuous monitoring, including tracking devices, and research into genetic diversity. The Korea National Park Service has expanded Special Protection Zones within Jirisan National Park to provide larger, more secure habitats. Public awareness campaigns and strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts are underway, aiming to foster coexistence. These measures ensure the establishment of a self-sustaining population and promote overall ecosystem health.