South Korea Formally Ends Bear Bile Farming Industry

Historic Ban Takes Effect

South Korea has formally brought an end to its controversial bear bile farming industry, with a ban on the breeding and possession of bears, as well as the extraction of their bile, taking effect on January 1, 2026. This landmark decision culminates decades of advocacy by animal welfare organizations and a significant shift in public sentiment regarding the practice. The new regulations are enshrined in a revised animal rights protection law, which stipulates penalties of up to two to five years in prison for violators.

Decades of Controversy and Advocacy

The practice of bear bile farming in South Korea originated in 1981, initially encouraged by the government as a means to boost income for rural farmers. Bears, primarily Asiatic black bears, also known as moon bears, were imported and kept in captivity for their bile, used in traditional medicine, or slaughtered for their gallbladders. However, international criticism led to a ban on bear imports in 1985. Over the years, the industry faced increasing scrutiny due to concerns about animal cruelty, questions regarding the medicinal efficacy of bile, and the availability of cruelty-free alternatives.

A pivotal moment arrived in January 2022, when the South Korean Ministry of Environment, the Bear Farmers Association, and prominent animal protection groups, including Green Korea United and World Animal Protection, signed a joint agreement to phase out the industry by 2026. This agreement laid the groundwork for the legislative changes that have now come into force. Efforts to reduce the bear population on farms also included a sterilization program conducted between 2014 and 2016.

The Future for Remaining Bears

Despite the new ban, a significant challenge remains: approximately 200 bears are still housed across 11 farms nationwide. Under the terms of the 2022 agreement, animal rights organizations are tasked with facilitating the purchase of these bears from farmers, while the government is responsible for establishing and managing facilities to house them.

Progress has been made in relocating some animals; for instance, 21 bears were moved to a government-run sanctuary in southern Jeolla Province in the past year. The government has also outlined plans for additional sanctuaries, including one in Guyre-gun designed to accommodate 49 bears and another in Seocheon-gun for around 70 bears. Farmers are being granted a six-month grace period during which they will not be penalized for keeping bears, and the government has pledged financial support for their care until relocation. However, any attempt to extract bile during this period will incur strict penalties. Animal welfare advocates continue to press for the establishment of more and larger sanctuaries to ensure all remaining bears can live out their lives in peace and relative freedom.