Bear farming industry ends after 45 years; protection plans for 90 of 219 bears undecided

South Korea is ending its 45-year-old bear-breeding industry, with a complete ban on raising bears for bile extraction taking effect on July 1. The government has announced measures to protect the 219 bears currently held on farms, aiming to transition them to sanctuaries.

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We will focus our policy capabilities on further expanding bear protection facilities.

Under the new plan, 25 bears will be immediately moved to a government-run sanctuary and public zoos. Another 104 bears are slated for relocation to newly established public and private sanctuaries by the end of the year. This move follows the revision of the Wildlife Protection and Management Act in December 2023, which prohibited bear farming from January 1, 2024. A six-month grace period for penalties and confiscations, which expired on June 30, allowed for negotiations between farmers, the government, and animal welfare groups.

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The private protection facilities the Ministry plans to use for bear accommodation are for-profit exhibition facilities.

Despite these efforts, protection plans for 90 bears are still undecided. Animal welfare organizations have raised concerns that some proposed relocation sites, such as privately run zoos, may not adequately ensure the bears' welfare. Experts emphasize the need for sufficient space and proper management for the bears' well-being, questioning the feasibility of housing additional bears in already limited facilities. The government is exploring options for the remaining bears, including administrative support for international adoption efforts.

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Adding bears to existing facilities seems unreasonable considering the limited space and management environment.