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🇰🇷 South Korea Ends Bear Bile Farming in Historic Animal Welfare Victory
South Korea has officially announced the end of bear bile farming, marking the closure of one of the world’s most controversial animal exploitation industries. Beginning January 1, 2026, the breeding, possession, and extraction of bile from bears—primarily Asiatic black “moon bears”—will be completely banned under a newly revised animal protection law.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment confirmed that violators will face up to two to five years in prison, depending on the offense. The reform aligns with international animal welfare standards and reflects South Korea’s commitment to ending the long-criticized trade.
🐻 Why the Bear Bile Ban Matters
Bear bile, historically used in traditional medicine for supposed vitality and stamina benefits, has become increasingly unpopular due to:
- ❓ Doubts about medicinal effectiveness
- 💊 Cheaper synthetic and herbal alternatives
- 📢 Growing awareness of animal cruelty
- 🐾 Ongoing pressure from animal rights organizations
Once one of the few countries legally allowing bile extraction, South Korea now joins a global movement to phase out bile farming in favor of ethical treatment.
🤝 Farmers & Activists: A Landmark Agreement
This ban stems from a 2022 milestone agreement between:
- Government agencies
- Bear farmers
- Animal rights groups
Under the deal:
- Farmers will sell their bears for sanctuary placement
- Animal rights groups will coordinate purchases
- The government will open and support bear rescue centers
Progress so far:
- 🐾 21 bears have been relocated to a sanctuary in Jeolla province
- 🐾 199 bears remain on 11 farms nationwide
- 🐾 Disputes continue regarding fair compensation for farmers
Farmers will receive a six-month grace period, but extracting bile after the ban begins will result in legal penalties.
“Our plan to end the bear farming business is an expression of our country’s resolve to improve wild animal welfare and meet international responsibility.”
— Environment Minister Kim Sungwhan
💸 Compensation Battles: Farmers Push Back
Not all farmers are satisfied.
Kim KwangSoo, a farmer owning 78 bears, argues that compensation has been inconsistent—and often too low.
“This is a very bad policy. I will observe the law, but farmers deserve better compensation.”
— Kim KwangSoo, Bear Farmers’ Association Secretary-General
Bear farming began in the early 1980s, with bears imported from Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Over time, it became infamous for keeping bears in small metal cages for life, only to be slaughtered for their gallbladders.
In 2014, roughly 1,000 bears were in captivity.
Today, sterilization programs and early buyouts have drastically reduced the number.
🏞️ Sanctuaries & the Struggle for Safe Placement
Animal rights organizations are celebrating progress but warn that current sanctuary capacity is far too low.
- The Jeolla province sanctuary can house up to 49 bears
- Activists insist that 30 is the ethical maximum
- A second planned refuge has been delayed to 2027 due to flooding
- Groups are contacting international zoos and sanctuaries for support
“It’s encouraging to see action, but regrettable that protection space remains insufficient.”
— Cheon JinKyung, Korea Animal Rights Advocates
🌏 The Bigger Picture
South Korea’s decision is being hailed as a global milestone for animal welfare. It places the country alongside others working to end the controversial practice and raises expectations for:
- Larger sanctuary investments
- Private rescue facility development
- International relocation partnerships
- Long-term rehabilitation plans
“To give back these animals a life of peace and relative freedom, the government must accelerate removal and support private sanctuaries.”
— Sangkyung Lee, Humane World for Animals Korea
🟢 Final Takeaway
South Korea’s decision to end bear bile farming is a significant moment for:
- Animal rights advocates
- Wildlife conservation
- Ethical medical alternatives
- Global animal welfare reform
While challenges remain—sanctuary capacity, compensation disputes, long-term care—the ban signals meaningful progress and a turning point for hundreds of moon bears who have known nothing but captivity.
📌 Key Facts (at a glance)
| Category | Details |
| Ban Begins | January 1, 2026 |
| Penalties | 2–5 years in prison |
| Bears Remaining | 199 across 11 farms |
| Already Rescued | 21 relocated to sanctuary |
| Goal | End farming, rehome all bears |
| Challenge | Fair compensation & sanctuary space |