Yes, bears do exist in South Korea. The animal inhabiting the rugged mountainous terrain is a distinctive subspecies of black bear, often called the “moon bear” due to a unique white crescent marking on its chest. Once nearly extinct in the wild on the peninsula, this mammal has become a powerful symbol for the restoration of Korean biodiversity. National efforts to reintroduce and protect this species have led to a recovery of a native population.
The Asiatic Black Bear of Korea
The bear found in South Korea is the Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus), with the local subspecies being Ursus thibetanus ussuricus. Adult males typically weigh between 60 and 200 kilograms. They possess powerful forelimbs and strong claws that make them excellent climbers.
The species is an omnivore, with a diet that shifts seasonally based on food availability in the forest. Their primary food sources include fruits, nuts, acorns, and honey, but they also consume insects, carrion, and grasses. They are highly arboreal, often spending half their lives in trees to forage, rest, or avoid danger, and they hibernate during the winter months. Within South Korea, this bear is classified as a Class I endangered wildlife species, reflecting its near-extinction status in the late 20th century.
Critical Habitats and Distribution
The current population of Asiatic Black Bears is heavily concentrated in the south-central region of the country, primarily within Jirisan National Park. Jirisan serves as the nucleus for the entire wild population, encompassing large areas of high-altitude broad-leaved forests. These bears prefer deep, remote forests and alpine regions, generally avoiding areas of high human presence.
As the population has increased, the bears have begun to disperse from this core area. Individual bears have been tracked moving into adjacent mountain ranges, with the area around Deogyusan National Park now recognized as part of their expanded range. Establishing ecological corridors between these protected areas is now a major focus to ensure genetic diversity and safe movement.
Conservation and Restoration Efforts
The national commitment to saving this species is embodied in the “Jirisan Bear Restoration Project,” officially launched in October 2004. The project began with the reintroduction of six bear cubs, sourced from genetically similar populations in Russia and other regions, into Jirisan National Park. The initial goal was to establish a self-sustaining wild population of at least 50 individuals.
This milestone was achieved by 2018, and the population has continued to grow, reaching over 80 bears as of August 2024. A core component of the project involves intensive monitoring, with many bears fitted with GPS tracking transmitters to follow their movements and breeding success. The government also established Special Protection Zones within Jirisan, accounting for over 40% of the park, to secure a stable habitat.
To mitigate conflict, a compensation system is in place for local residents, such as beekeepers, who experience property damage. This system is often supplemented by the installation of electric fences around apiaries.
Coexistence and Safety Guidelines
With the bear population expanding, there is an increasing possibility of human-bear encounters, especially for hikers and residents near Jirisan and Deogyusan. To minimize conflict, the Korea National Park Service recommends that visitors remain on designated hiking trails. Since bears tend to avoid people, making noise—such as by wearing a bear bell or periodically shouting—alerts them to human presence and encourages them to move away.
If an encounter occurs, remaining calm is paramount, as no attacks on humans by Asiatic Black Bears have been reported in South Korea. Hikers should back away slowly while facing the bear and maintaining eye contact, without turning and running. It is essential to avoid any provocative actions, such as attempting to take photos or offering the animal food.