Animals in South Korea

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South Korea has very little wildlife, with most fauna being either domesticated or city animals. Much of South Korea’s wildlife, not readily observed, live along the North/South Korean border. However, city animals such as pigeons, dogs and cats are common throughout South Korea. The Korean government protects the Jindo dog, considered to be the national dog of South Korea. This dog originates on Jindo (진도), an island off the Southwest corner of the Korean peninsula. The reputation of dogs in South Korea is mixed, with Koreans favoring small dogs over large dogs due to space limitations – most Korean homes are small apartments. Although many people do own pets, those without pets access the dog and cat cafes that are found throughout Seoul. These cafes, a Japanese import, provide a city dweller with the opportunity to play with and perhaps even adopt either a dog or a cat. In nice weather, families also enjoy taking a boat ride down the Han River (한강), while feeding pigeons that fly above.