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| Pigeon feeding ban in Seoul |
Beginning July 1, 2025, feeding nuisance wild animals like pigeons and magpies in Seoul’s public parks will be officially banned. Violators will face fines of up to 1 million Korean won (KRW).
📍 38 Designated No-Feeding Zones Across Seoul
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on April 9 that 38 public parks, including major urban spaces and 11 Han River parks, will be designated as “No Wildlife Feeding Zones” starting in July. These areas will be formally listed in an upcoming public notice.
Key no-feeding areas include:
- Seoul Forest, Namsan Park, World Cup Park, Yeouido Park, North Seoul Dream Forest, Seoul Grand Park
- Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square
- Han River parks: Gwangnaru, Jamsil, Ttukseom, Jamwon, Ichon, Banpo, Mangwon, Yeouido, Nanji, Gangseo, Yanghwa
🐦 What Are Nuisance Wild Animals?
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| A wild magpie in Korea |
Under South Korean law, nuisance wild animals (유해야생동물) are species that cause long-term damage to crops or property. These include:
- Birds: Pigeons, magpies, sparrows, crows, pheasants
- Mammals: Squirrels (Korean red squirrels), wild boars, roe deer (gorani)
Some of these animals have overpopulated urban areas, creating problems such as property damage, building corrosion, and public hygiene risks due to droppings, fur, and nests.
📅 Feeding Ban Timeline and Penalties
The wildlife feeding ban will last for 3 years starting July 2025, and the Seoul Mayor may review and revise the designated zones every 3 years.
Fines for feeding in restricted areas:
- 1st offense: 200,000 KRW
- 2nd offense: 500,000 KRW
- 3rd offense: 1,000,000 KRW
The city will run an awareness and guidance period until June 30, after which official enforcement and fines will begin.
🧼 Why Is Seoul Enforcing This?
The goal is to:
- Reduce public health risks from droppings and fur
- Prevent damage to infrastructure and buildings
- Control the growing population of nuisance wild animals in urban areas
A city spokesperson stated, “We aim to minimize sanitation hazards and prevent property damage caused by urban wildlife in heavily visited areas.”
📚 Learn Korean Through This News
Korean Text:
"오는 7월부터 비둘기, 까치 등 유해야생동물에 먹이를 주다가 적발되면 최대 100만 원의 과태료를 내야 합니다."
Key Vocabulary:
유해 = harmful
야생동물 = wild animals
먹이를 주다 = to feed, to give food
적발되다 = to be caught
Translation:
🔍 Keywords:
Seoul pigeon feeding fine, magpie feeding ban South Korea, Seoul wild animal feeding law 2025, no feeding zones in Seoul parks, Han River park pigeon ban, urban wildlife control Seoul, nuisance wild animal law Korea, Seoul park fines for feeding animals, pigeon population control Korea, feeding ban in Seoul public parks