Across South Korea, particularly in urban areas like Seoul and Busan, there is a long-standing but somewhat unofficial attitude towards feeding pigeons in public parks. While no nationwide law explicitly bans feeding these birds, local regulations and park rules often discourage the practice. This stems from concerns about pigeon overpopulation, which can lead to sanitation issues and harm to native wildlife. Anecdotal reports and local stories mention instances where feeders were politely asked by park authorities to stop. Some communities consider feeding pigeons not only a nuisance but a disruption to the ecological balance in city parks. Though mostly rooted in modern ecological awareness rather than ancient custom, this attitude reflects Korea’s evolving relationship with its wildlife and public spaces. Visitors and residents alike are encouraged to respect these informal norms to help maintain clean and healthy parks. However, the exact enforcement and wording of such guidelines may vary between districts, making it an interesting example of urban wildlife protections entwined with local culture.
Source / verification note
Based on local park guidelines and anecdotal reports; no specific national law identified.