Seoul to enforce pigeon feeding ban in parks from July, fines up to $673

Pigeons are seen near a puddle in central Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square, June 3, 2024. Yonhap

Starting in July, anyone caught feeding pigeons in Gwanghwamun Square or major city parks in Seoul will face an immediate fine of up to 1 million won ($673), the city government announced Wednesday.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it will designate 38 city parks and Han River parks in the capital as “wildlife feeding restriction zones” beginning Thursday.

The ban and penalty come after amendments to the Wildlife Protection and Management Ordinance in January.

Under current law, wild animals in Korea that consistently damage crops or fruit trees in large groups, or those that live in high population densities in certain areas — such as pigeons, sparrows, magpies, crows, water deer and wild boars — are classified as urban pests.

After an initial three-year feeding prohibition, the city mayor may review whether to modify or lift the restriction every three years.

The prohibited areas are managed by the city government, including the Seoul Forest, Namsan Park, World Cup Park, Yeouido Park, North Seoul Dream Forest and Seoul Grand Park.

Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square, and 11 Han River parks (Gwangnaru, Jamsil, Ttukseom, Jamwon, Ichon, Banpo, Mangwon, Yeouido, Nanji, Gangseo and Yanghwa) are also prohibited areas.

Pigeons are seen at a water fountain in Ichon Hangang Park in Seoul in this file photo. Korea Times file

Those who are caught feeding wild animals in prohibited areas will face fines of up to 1 million won. The fines are set at 200,000 won for the first offense, 500,000 won for the second and 1 million won for the third.

“We want to prevent and minimize sanitation damage caused by the excretion and hair loss of harmful wild animals in public spaces and prevent property damage such as corrosion and damage to buildings,” the city said.

The city will begin imposing the fines after a three-month grace period ends June 30.

The city has received a growing number of pigeon-related complaints. The number has more than doubled in three years, from 667 in 2020 to 1,432 in 2023. The complaints concerned walking discomfort, sanitary damage by excretion and feathers and disposal of pigeon carcasses.

Meanwhile, animal rights groups have urged the city government to take alternative population control measures on urban wildlife like pigeons, by feeding them sterilization tablets.

Several cities around the world, including Barcelona and St. Paul, Minnesota, have reduced their pigeon populations by some 50 percent using animal-friendly measures such as feeding pigeons kibble-type food that prevents their eggs from hatching, the groups said.