Wild Boars on the Rise in Seoul’s Mount Bukhan National Park

A Growing Urban Wildlife Encounter

Hikers visiting Korea’s Mount Bukhan National Park are encountering an increasingly common sight on the trails: wild boars. What was once a rare glimpse of wildlife has transformed into regular interactions between humans and these powerful animals. The boars now linger near frequently used hiking paths, with some even accepting food directly from hikers without displaying fear behaviors. This shift in wildlife behavior has raised significant concerns about public safety and the challenges of managing human-wildlife coexistence in one of the world’s most densely populated metropolitan areas.

The situation became particularly evident around noon on January 3 near Doseon Temple in Mount Bukhan National Park, located in Ui-dong, Gangbuk District of northern Seoul. More than 10 hikers had gathered along a trail approximately 100 meters past the Cheonwang Gate, standing by a railing to observe and film the scene below. About 4 to 5 meters beneath the railing, a large wild boar stood on a slope beside a retaining wall, staring back at the group of observers. The adult boar occasionally rubbed its body against a tree, while a piglet nearby rummaged through fallen leaves under the watchful eye of its guardian.

What happened next illustrates the changing dynamic between humans and wildlife in the park. As the adult boar began foraging, some hikers tossed food down to the slope, offering chestnuts, tangerines, and rice cake slices. The boar moved about collecting these offerings while crows hovered nearby, some perching on the animal’s back or snatching leftovers. Despite a nearby red warning banner reading “Caution: Wild Boars in the Area!” and clear advice not to discard food near trails, the feeding continued. One hiker quietly acknowledged the problem, stating that feeding wild boars was against regulations, but the behavior persisted.

The Historical Context of Boar Encounters

The presence of wild boars on Mount Bukhan represents a significant shift in the region’s ecological dynamics. According to academic research, the first known sighting of wild boars in the area occurred in 2004. Prior to this, wild boars were regarded as rare mammals in South Korea, warranting protection. The transformation from protected rarity to common presence has occurred over just two decades, with the animals now frequently appearing in Seoul and causing increased human-wildlife conflicts.

The trend has been documented over several years. In 2014, the Korea National Park’s Mount Bukhan management office reported four recorded wild boar sightings between February and June, including incidents in Gugi-dong and Jeongneung-dong. The office attempted to address the issue by installing traps in three areas around Mount Bukhan, but these efforts yielded no captures that year. The animals continued expanding their range, with sightings reported in urban areas beyond the park boundaries, including residential neighborhoods in Seoul and nearby Seongnam.

By 2016, the Seoul Metropolitan Government reported an average of 152 boar sightings annually over the preceding three years, with most occurring near Mount Bukhan National Park. This translates to approximately 11.8 boar appearances reported monthly in Seoul alone. The number was expected to increase during winter months as the boar population grows and animals search for food resources. The expansion of their territory into densely populated urban areas has made what was once a primarily rural wildlife management issue a pressing urban concern.

The economic impact of wild boar activity extends beyond the immediate vicinity of Mount Bukhan. Across South Korea, agricultural damage from wild boars has reached billions of won. In 2012 alone, boars caused approximately 5.7 billion won (roughly $5.4 million) in damage to farmers, consuming crops such as rice, grapes, apples, and vegetables. The damage was even higher in 2011, reaching 8 billion won. This economic burden has prompted various government responses, including increased hunting quotas and population control measures.

Scientific Understanding of Habitat Preferences

Researchers have conducted extensive studies to understand why wild boars have become so prevalent in the Mount Bukhan area. A habitat model for wild boars in Bukhansan National Park was developed using 213 presence points collected through camera trapping and field surveys. The analysis incorporated 25 raster datasets using maximum entropy modeling algorithms to determine habitat preferences. The findings revealed that slope (23.4%) was the greatest contributing factor for the habitat model, followed by temperature seasonality (20.4%) and forest type (16.9%).

Field verification of the model confirmed that the density of boar signs and rooting activity was twice as high in areas with high suitability values. Interestingly, although the highest peak in the national park exceeds 800 meters, most wild boar signs were concentrated below 200 meters and rarely exceeded 350 meters in elevation. Wild boar signs were predominantly found within slopes of 10 to 20 degrees, with preferences for northern-facing slopes (37%) followed by southern (30%), eastern (21%), and western (10%) aspects.

The study revealed that 90% of wild boar signs were recorded in forested habitats, with 49% in broadleaf forests and 40% in mixed forest areas. Only 4% of signs occurred in non-forested areas. This preference for forest cover aligns with the animals’ need for shelter and protection. Despite being identified as an agricultural pest, the research found that only 4% of boar records occurred on farm fields and 1% in rice paddies. Most signs documented in agricultural lands during field surveys were actually attributed to water deer rather than wild boars.

The dietary habits of wild boars in Bukhansan National Park have also been studied through fecal DNA metabarcoding, revealing a diverse omnivorous diet that varies seasonally. The analysis identified 54 plant genera, 22 macrofungal genera, and 9 animal genera in their diet. Plant sources were dominant (70.0%), followed by macrofungi (29.4%) and animals (0.6%). Seasonal variations were observed in plant and animal consumption, with Quercus (oak), Ipomoea (morning glory), and Pueraria (kudzu) being prominent plant genera. Understanding these dietary patterns helps explain the animals’ attraction to certain areas and their potential interactions with human food sources.

Human-Wildlife Conflicts and Safety Incidents

The increasing presence of wild boars in populated areas has led to numerous incidents involving human injury and, in some cases, fatalities. Statistics from the Ministry of Environment indicate that 381 sightings of feral boars were reported in downtown Seoul between 2011 and August 2013 alone. During this period, at least two people died and 20 were injured in incidents involving wild boars. These numbers likely represent only a portion of actual encounters, as many incidents may go unreported or unrecorded.

A particularly serious incident occurred on June 30, 2014, in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province, when a man and woman in their 50s were knocked over by a wild boar in sweet potato fields. The 52-year-old man, identified by the surname Lee, suffered three broken ribs, while the 50-year-old woman, Seo, sustained a concussion. Seo described the event as the first time a wild boar had appeared in fields near the town and attacked humans, emphasizing the urgent need for eradication measures.

The risks extend beyond direct encounters with boars. The efforts to control wild boar populations themselves have led to tragic accidents. In November 2025, a man in his 70s was fatally shot by a fellow hunter while culling wild boars on a mountain in Dundeok-dong, Yeosu, South Jeolla Province. The perpetrator, a hunter in his 50s, told police he “mistook [the victim] for a wild boar in the dark.” A similar incident had occurred in September of that year in Jangheung County, where a man in his 60s was fatally shot by a fellow hunter who also mistook him for a wild boar. These incidents highlight the complex challenges involved in managing wild boar populations while ensuring human safety.

In urban environments, the interactions between wild boars and humans have become increasingly dramatic. In November 2013, four feral boars went on a rampage through apartment buildings, a school playground, and even a department store in the morning hours. While such extreme incidents are not daily occurrences, they demonstrate the potential for chaos when these large, powerful animals enter densely populated areas. The Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters has noted that a lack of natural predators contributes to wild boars’ growing numbers, while the construction of hiking trails throughout Seoul has reduced their available shelter.

Expert Perspectives on the Underlying Causes

Experts offer various explanations for the increasing wild boar population and their movement into urban areas. One prevailing theory attributes the phenomenon to population growth. Park Yung-chul, a forest environment protection professor at Kangwon National University, noted that wild boars are highly invasive species capable of birthing 7 to 13 young at once. He explained that controlling wild boar populations without human intervention has become difficult in Korea because the animals now occupy the top of the food chain with no natural predators to keep their numbers in check.

“Boars are a highly invasive species. They breed about 7 to 13 young at once. Controlling the population of wild boars without human intervention in Korea has become difficult, as they are now at the top of the food chain, meaning that there are no natural predators.”

However, the population density theory may not fully explain the situation in Seoul, where the average wild boar population density has remained steady at 3.8 boars per square kilometer over the past decade. The National Institute of Biological Resources defines 3 to 5 boars per square kilometer as a safe population density. This suggests that factors beyond simple population growth may be driving urban encroachment.

Shin Nam-shik, a professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Seoul National University, suggested that habitat environment factors play a crucial role. He explained that boars come down from the mountains when they lack food resources and will not enter towns if they have sufficient food in their natural habitat. The types of crops and vegetables in each area, along with their ripening seasons, influence boar movement patterns. This seasonal factor helps explain why sightings often increase during winter months when natural food sources become scarce.

Geographical factors also contribute to the urban presence of wild boars. Park noted that Gangwon Province has large buffer zones where wild animals can find their way back into forests before encountering humans. In contrast, Seoul’s habitat areas are largely divided into Mount Bukhansan, Mount Dobongsan, and Mount Kwanaksan, with highways and hiking routes artificially developed between and within these mountains. These developments have invaded animal territories, forcing wild boars whose homes have been encroached upon to seek new habitats in developed areas.

Seasonal influences play a significant role in wild boar behavior. All experts interviewed agreed that there is typically a high number of wild boars seen escaping their habitats during the mating period in winter. Kim Eui-kyeong, a researcher at the Korea National Park Service, explained that male boars tend to escape their habitats when they lose territorial fights against rival boars. Additionally, younger boars must leave their parents before mating season, expanding their scope of activity during this period. These seasonal movements increase the likelihood of encounters with humans during winter months.

New Safety Measures and Management Strategies

In response to growing concerns about wild boar encounters, the Korea National Park Service under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has implemented new management strategies. Last month, the agency introduced a “wild boar safety management map” for urban national parks including Mount Bukhan. This map is based on previous studies and scientific analysis of wild boar sightings, designed to help visitors navigate areas with higher likelihood of boar encounters safely.

The safety map identifies four key trails with the highest probability of wild boar appearances: Bukhansanseong, Uiam, Obong, and Bogukmun trails. Visitors using these specific trails must comply with designated entry times and stay on authorized paths to minimize risks. The guidelines also instruct visitors to report any dead or sick animals they encounter, a measure designed to prevent the spread of African swine fever, which was first detected at a pig farm located 15 kilometers northwest of Seoul in September 2019. Cases of African swine fever in wild boar have since been observed in the northern part of the metropolitan area.

Joo Dae-young, head of the Korea National Park Service, emphasized the importance of visitor compliance with safety protocols. He stated that to prevent wild boar-related risks, visitors must first follow basic safety rules, such as staying on official trails. The agency continues to use science and technology to preserve natural ecosystems while ensuring the safety of park visitors. The safety map is accessible via the National Park Explorer mobile app or by scanning QR codes posted along the trails, making information readily available to hikers before they begin their journeys.

These measures represent part of a broader management approach that includes population control efforts. The Ministry of Environment and local governments have joined forces to address the problem through various means, including reducing boar populations through hunting, blocking paths boars use to enter cities, and conducting safety education courses in towns where boars are commonly seen. In March, the Ministry of Environment and Seoul Metropolitan Government captured 50 wild boars specifically to prevent them from entering the city.

The ministry has also increased the number of boars that authorized hunters can capture from three to six in 19 cities to control populations and reduce excessive territory competition. Approximately 14,500 and 12,000 boars were killed by registered hunters in 2011 and 2012, respectively. These population control efforts aim to maintain boar numbers at manageable levels while recognizing the ecological role these animals play in the forest ecosystem.

Safety Guidelines for Hikers and Residents

For those venturing into areas where wild boars may be present, experts recommend specific safety protocols to minimize risks. Shin Nam-shik advises hikers who encounter a wild boar to remain still like a rock and maintain direct eye contact with the animal. Wild animals intuitively recognize fear when humans look away or make large movements to escape. The recommended course of action is to calmly walk backward away from the animal without taking eyes off it, eventually putting distance between oneself and the boar and hiding behind a tree or large object if possible.

The red warning banners now installed along Mount Bukhan trails explicitly advise visitors not to discard food near the trail. Feeding wild boars is strongly discouraged, as it habituates the animals to human presence and encourages them to remain in areas frequented by hikers. This creates a cycle of dependency that increases the likelihood of dangerous encounters. The January 3 incident at Doseon Temple, where hikers offered chestnuts, tangerines, and rice cake slices to boars, exemplifies the very behavior safety officials are working to prevent.

Hikers are also advised to report any sightings or encounters to park authorities. This reporting helps officials track boar movements and adjust management strategies accordingly. If a wild boar carcass is found, it must be reported to the Korea National Park Service, the National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, or local authorities to prevent the potential spread of African swine fever and other diseases.

The Korea National Park Service continues to emphasize that staying on official trails is one of the most effective safety measures hikers can take. Wandering off designated paths increases the likelihood of surprising wildlife or entering their preferred habitats. The new safety management map provides hikers with the information they need to make informed decisions about which trails to use and when to exercise additional caution.

Challenges of Coexistence in a Megacity

The situation on Mount Bukhan represents a microcosm of the broader challenge of human-wildlife coexistence in rapidly urbanizing environments worldwide. With a human population of approximately 25 million in the Seoul metropolitan area, the presence of wild boars poses significant management challenges. Bukhansan National Park, covering 78.5 square kilometers with the tallest peak at 836 meters, serves as the main green space for city inhabitants and received around 5 million annual visitors (6.08 million in 2016). The high level of human activity in and around the park creates numerous opportunities for wildlife encounters.

The park is surrounded by urban areas and isolated from other natural habitats by highways and developed zones, making it an ecological island of sorts. Vegetation in Bukhansan National Park is dominated by Quercus mongolica and Pinus densiflora communities, followed by oak communities and mixed forest. These forest types provide both food and shelter for wild boars, with Korean chestnut being a particularly important food item based on availability. The convergence of rich wildlife habitat and intense human recreational use creates inherent tension that requires careful management.

Pundits stress that there remains a lack of comprehensive research on wild boar behavior despite the substantial damage caused each year. Research projects in Korea often last only three to five years, while at least 10 years of steady study is required to accumulate meaningful data on wild boar behavioral patterns and characteristics. The difficulty of attaching GPS devices to large, aggressive wild animals further complicates research efforts.

To address this research gap, the Korea National Park Service began a long-term project to analyze boars’ seasonal movements and behavior by attaching GPS trackers to animals on Mount Jirisan. While three boars currently have GPS trackers attached, the agency plans to gradually expand this number to 30. Once data is collected for fall and winter seasons, researchers hope to gain a more comprehensive understanding of boar movement patterns that can inform management strategies.

The fundamental question of coexistence remains unresolved. As Shin Nam-shik observed, humans have reduced wildlife habitat areas through reckless development in mountains and forests, essentially providing animals with reasons to move into urban spaces. Finding a balance between preserving natural ecosystems and ensuring human safety in one of the world’s most populous metropolitan areas continues to challenge park managers, urban planners, and wildlife experts alike.

The Bottom Line

• Wild boars have become regular sights on Mount Bukhan, with hikers frequently encountering the animals near trails
• First wild boar sighting in the area occurred in 2004, with populations and encounters increasing significantly over two decades
• New “wild boar safety management map” identifies four high-risk trails: Bukhansanseong, Uiam, Obong, and Bogukmun
• Feeding wild boars is prohibited as it habituates animals to humans and increases danger
• Hikers encountering boars should remain calm, maintain eye contact, and slowly retreat without turning their backs
• African swine fever presence requires reporting any dead or sick boars to authorities
• Population control efforts include hunting, with over 12,000 boars killed by registered hunters in 2012
• Boar encounters typically increase during winter mating season when food is scarcer and territorial competition intensifies