Animals in South Korea: Misc. Issues
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An Introduction to the Plight of Animals in South Korea
The development of South Korea in the late 20th century is often said to have been an “economic miracle.” Devastated by the Korean War (1950-53) — whose continuing legacy is a peninsula still divided into two countries — the Republic of Korea faced a long uphill battle to reach its current status as a player on the world stage. After years of political upheaval and great sacrifices on the part of its people, South Korea succeeded in transforming itself into a highly urbanized, sophisticated, and technologically forward nation.
Like many Asian countries, Korea has not traditionally had quite the same concept of animal welfare as now prevails in the West (however little or however much Westerners may actually put those sensibilities into practice). This is understandable, as many Asian nations do not enjoy, or have not historically enjoyed, the same general level of economic and political stability that many Western countries have, and concerns over human survival have often taken priority. Still, the idea of respect for the environment and for animals does have ancient roots in Korean culture. The Jindo breed, a spitz-type dog native to the island of the same name, is even cherished as a national symbol and designated by the government as an official “Natural Treasure.”
But in today’s affluent South Korea, a paradox exists. Although many people today keep dogs as pets, and Korean dog owners dote upon and love their companion animals, there is in general little priority given to the compassionate treatment of animals, and the country is still the home of a dog-meat industry that, though prohibited by law since 1991, makes billions of dollars every year.
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Take Action for South Korea’s Animals
Animals Asia can only accept volunteers trained in either veterinary science / vet nursing or qualified in wild-animal management, as all hands-on work with the bears necessitates intensive training. All behavioral volunteer placements require a … Read More
BAPS host volunteers only on Sundays. We do not have full time staff to attend to visitors, so that’s why we can can’t be open during the week. To come to volunteer, you must register … Read More
In partnership with the Korea Red Cross and local governments, CARE provides animal welfare lectures to city schools all over South Korea. We are also in our second year of the ‘How to Become an … Read More
To the Sponsors of PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea: Please withdraw your sponsorship of PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea! Bishop Desmond Tutu said, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, … Read More
Please continue to spread the word around the world. So many vile pictures out there of such horrific animal torture coming from South Korea. They certainly don’t deserve to host the Olympics. Spread the word, … Read More
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Misc. News About South Korea’s Animals
Animal activists are outraged about the Korean government’s plan to expand the puppy and pet trade in a bid to boost the economy. President Park Geun-hye said at the 10th official trade and investment meeting … Read More
The government estimates that about 10 million people in the country raise some 4 million pets. Exact figures are not available. According to a survey on 2,096 households by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and … Read More
A Korean supermarket in London is making waves for selling shrink-wrapped crabs to customers. The problem? They’re still alive. Korea Foods, which has several branches across the U.K., has attracted international attention after customers noticed … Read More
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Misc. Facts About the Plight of South Korea’s Animals
The plight of bears in South Korea is tragic. Wild moon bears are virtually extinct, and more than 1,600 “domesticated” bears are kept captive in cramped cages and farmed for bile and body parts. Moon … Read More
South Korea has the fourth-highest number of cosmetic surgeries performed across the globe last year. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) reveals that the country is accountable for almost 1 million out of … Read More
As cities grow the wildlife is threatened as their habitable land shrinks. This list shows some species who are on the brink of going extinct in Korea. Let’s not forget about the animals! We wanted … Read More
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Misc. Editorial About South Korea’s Animals
During a lesson on describing animals, I asked my students about South Korea’s national animal. Foreheads wrinkled. Eyes glanced sideways. “Tiger?” said one student. “Bear?” said another. They looked to their Korean teacher for help. … Read More
As Korea is the leading cosmetics manufacturer based in Asia, Humane Society International is seeking to encourage key figures in industry and government here to confront and end cruelty to all animals, specifically those used … Read More
If we grant bears any modicum of intelligence or emotional experience, if we grant them the capacity to suffer pain or mental anguish, then bear bile farming – which houses bears in tiny cages for … Read More
If you’re one of the many people who has switched (or wants to switch) to an all natural beauty routine, you don’t have to miss out on Korean beauty and skincare products. But finding natural … Read More
Singapore, Sweden, South Korea, Canada, China and the Netherlands all now boast skyscraper farms similar in concept to Japan’s. In the US, such farms have risen in Chicago, while Newark, New Jersey, and Jackson, Wyoming, … Read More
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Name TitleLEGISLATIONSouth Korea has passed a law that from 2018 will mandate the use of non-animal alternative tests for cosmetics where such alternatives have been accepted by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The new … Read More
ORGANIZATIONSARK is primarily a website that gathers English-language information useful for helping animals around Korea. ARK does not operate a shelter or rescue center of tis own. Its network of volunteers do help to find … Read More
Korea Animal Rights Advocates is a volunteer, non-profit organization in Korea whose members support and promote animal rights. Aside from protest actions, KARA is involved in volunteer shelter work and the distribution of donated food … Read More
KAPS was found in 1991 for the purpose of helping injured animals. It is now involved in providing shelter for animals and for finding adoption/foster homes for abandoned pets. It is also involved in advocacy … Read More
The Busan Abandoned Pet Sanctuary originated when four animal lovers joined together to create a permanent home for abandoned pets in Busan. BAPS is a 100% private no-kill shelter. It maintains a maximum capacity policy. … Read More
