No, feeding wild pigeons in South Korea is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act (야생생물 보호법), enforced by the Ministry of Environment (환경부). Violations may incur fines up to ₩3 million (≈$2,300) or criminal charges under the 2026 amendments tightening urban wildlife management.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in South Korea
- Prohibition under Wildlife Protection Act: Feeding wild pigeons (Columba livia) is classified as “artificial feeding” (인공급식), banned under Article 23-2 to prevent ecological disruption and public health risks (e.g., disease transmission via droppings).
- Local Ordinances: Seoul Metropolitan Government (서울특별시) and Busan (부산광역시) enforce additional restrictions via Urban Cleanliness Ordinances (도시미화조례), imposing on-the-spot fines (즉시과태료) of ₩100,000–₩500,000 for repeat offenders.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Ministry of Environment’s Urban Wildlife Management Plan (2026–2030) mandates pigeon population control via habitat modification, with feeding bans expanded to include all urban areas designated as “wildlife-restricted zones” (야생생물 제한구역).