Samcheok City to Intensify Crackdown on Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade Until March

Samcheok City to Take Strong Action Against Illegal Wildlife Capture
to Protect the Ecosystem

On January 2, the city of Samcheok in Gangwon Province announced that it will conduct crackdowns on poaching and illegal wildlife trade, as well as collect and accept voluntary reports of illegal hunting tools, until the end of March 2026. This initiative aims to protect the habitats of wild animals and prevent diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF).

Samcheok City Hall exterior view.

To this end, Samcheok City will organize a permanent inspection team to focus on cracking down on the illegal capture, acquisition, transportation, and brokering of wild animals, as well as the use of illegal hunting tools. If violations are discovered, the city plans to take strict action in accordance with relevant laws, including criminal prosecution and the imposition of fines.

A city official stated, "Poaching and illegal wildlife trade are serious illegal acts that disrupt the ecological balance and threaten biodiversity. The active interest and reporting by local residents are crucial to eradicating these practices."

The official added, "If you witness poaching, illegal wildlife trade, or the production or installation of illegal hunting tools, or if you obtain related information, please report it immediately to the Environmental Division of Samcheok City Hall or the nearest police station."