In Residential Areas and University Districts... Repeated Wild Boar Sightings, Why?

Before the Breeding Season, Food Shortage Forces Descent from Mountains
Rescue Workers Advise "Take Shelter in Spaces like Building Pillars"

On the 13th, a wild boar was spotted in front of Seonwonjeon in the rear garden of Changdeokgung Palace, leading to the cancellation of the nighttime event "Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour." The wild boar has not yet been captured. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Culture Reporter Intern Young] On the 13th, a wild boar appeared at Changdeokgung Palace, leading to the cancellation of the nighttime event 'Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour.' According to the Cultural Heritage Administration's Palace and Royal Tombs Headquarters on the 14th, the wild boar was spotted inside Changdeokgung Palace grounds around 4:40 PM on the 13th and was seen in front of Seonwonjeon in the rear garden of Changdeokgung. Firefighters from the 119 emergency service who received the report searched for the wild boar but ultimately could not find it, resulting in the cancellation of the Moonlight Tour event.

Earlier that day, a report was received of a wild boar appearing near the tracks at Busan Donghae Line Bujeon Station. Weighing about 80kg, this wild boar moved along the tracks and was captured by firefighters after 4 hours. However, during the capture process, six trains slowed down, causing overall train operation delays and inconvenience to citizens.

At 1 AM on the 8th, a wild boar suddenly charged at a citizen on the Hongjecheon walking trail in Seoul. The man quickly took cover behind a utility pole and was not injured, but many traces of wild boars were found at the entrance of Bukhansan Mountain where the wild boar appeared.

In the early morning of the 13th, a wild boar appeared near the tracks of Busan Donghae Line Bujeon Station. After a chase lasting about four hours with firefighters, it was eventually shot dead. Photo by Busan Fire Headquarters.

As food becomes scarce in the mountains ahead of the breeding season, wild boars are increasingly appearing in urban areas. With wild boars showing up not only in residential areas but also around universities and walking trails, citizens are anxious, saying there is no proper way to respond.

Experts say that since reports of wild boars between October and December account for 40% of the annual total, special attention must be paid to response methods. Wild boars leave their mothers to find new territories before the breeding season between November and January. During the breeding season, males fight to claim females. If migration routes are cut off or food is scarce during this process, they come down to areas where people live.

Rescue workers advise that if you encounter a wild boar in the city, since it is already in an agitated state, it is most important not to make noise and to hide behind building pillars or in a concealed space. They also emphasize that you should crouch down and evacuate as inconspicuously as possible, then report to 119 and the police station as soon as possible.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.