Korea’s urban wildlife (2) Pigeons

🐦 Korea’s Urban Pigeons: From Food Source to City Fixture

Pigeons are a familiar sight in South Korea’s cities, often seen strutting through parks, subway stations, and public squares. But few people realize that these birds weren’t always part of the urban landscape. In fact, the widespread presence of pigeons in Korea can be traced back to the 1970s, during the Park Chung-hee administration. At the time, pigeons were introduced and bred primarily for food, as part of a national campaign to increase protein consumption. However, as interest in pigeon meat declined and management weakened, many of these birds were released or escaped into the wild, where they quickly adapted to city life.

📈 Why Pigeons Took Over the Cities

Urban environments provided pigeons with everything they needed to thrive: warm buildings for nesting, abundant food waste, and a lack of natural predators. With the ability to breed year-round and a strong homing instinct, their population grew rapidly. Today, cities like Seoul and Busan are home to tens of thousands of pigeons, often forming large flocks in high-traffic areas. Their sheer numbers have made them a permanent part of Korea’s urban ecosystem.

🦠 Myths and Misconceptions

Despite their ubiquity, pigeons are often misunderstood and even feared. A common belief is that pigeons carry dangerous bacteria and that germs fall from their feathers as they fly overhead. Some urban legends go further, claiming that street food vendors use pigeon meat in popular snacks like chicken skewers—though there is no evidence to support this. While pigeons can carry diseases like any wild animal, the actual risk to humans is minimal unless there is direct contact. Still, these myths contribute to a general sense of unease and stigma around the birds.

🚫 Social Impact and Government Campaigns

The growing pigeon population has led to tangible problems. Their droppings can damage buildings, statues, and public infrastructure. They often tear open trash bags in search of food, creating sanitation issues. In response, local governments have launched public awareness campaigns urging citizens not to feed pigeons. Signs in parks and subway stations frequently read “Do Not Feed the Pigeons,” emphasizing that feeding them exacerbates overpopulation and encourages aggressive behavior.

🤝 Coexisting with Pigeons: What We Can Do

Living alongside pigeons requires a thoughtful and balanced approach. Here are a few ways individuals can help:

• Avoid feeding pigeons, even if they appear hungry or friendly.
• Dispose of food waste properly to reduce their access to easy meals.
• Support humane population control, such as birth control feed or nesting site management.
• Educate others to dispel harmful myths and promote respectful coexistence.

Pigeons are now an inseparable part of Korea’s city life. While they may cause inconvenience, they also reflect the unintended consequences of human decisions—like introducing animals for food without long-term planning. By understanding their history and behavior, we can move toward a more informed and compassionate way of sharing our urban spaces.