10 Animals Native To South Korea And Where To See Them

White-naped CraneThe white-naped crane lives in grassy marshes, wet meadows, and reed beds in river valleys. It has a grey body, pinkish legs, and a red patch around the eyes. It can be found near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea.Asiatic Black BearThe Asiatic black bear is known for its smooth black coat and a V-shaped white patch on its chest. Sadly, it is endangered due to human exploitation and habitat fragmentation. To spot this elusive bear, visit Jirisan National Park or Seoraksan Mountain in the northeast.LynxThe elusive lynx is a solitary cat with thick fur, adapted for frosty winters that thrives in montane forests within the Korean DMZ. Its coat varies from greyish-brown to reddish-brown, with distinctive black tufts on the ears. Kumgang Fat MinnowThe Kumgang fat minnow, measuring around 7-8 cm, inhabits cold water streams deep in the mountains. Look for black dots on its dorsal fin. You’ll find them in rivers flowing into the Yellow Sea, such as the Han River and Imjin River.Siberian Musk DeerThe Siberian musk deer is well-suited to montane forests due to its small size, allowing it to hide in rocky terrain and run fast to escape predators. Keep an eye out for them throughout South Korea.Red-crowned CraneThis elegant crane, with its white plumage and red crown, frequents wetlands, rice paddies, and coastal areas. Suncheon Bay and Upo Wetland are excellent places to spot them.Amur LeopardThe endangered Amur leopard features a golden-yellow coat with distinctive black spots, and conservation efforts protect them in the DMZ and Jirisan National Park, where you are sure to find them.Eurasian OtterThe Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is one of the largest carnivores in South Korea and has been legally protected since 1982. Excellent swimmers and playful creatures, they inhabit Seoraksan National Park and Gangneung Coastal Wetland in Korea.Mandarin DuckThe vibrant mandarin duck, with its colourful orange and green feathers, is commonly found in forested streams and ponds. Ideal locations include Suncheon Bay Ecological Park and Gwangneung Forest.Korean Water DeerThe Korean water deer, lacking antlers but with long canine teeth, thrives in wetlands and reed beds. You may have a chance to see them by visiting Boseong Green Tea Fields and Gayasan Mountain.10 Best Local Drinks To Try On Your South Korea TourRead More