National Heritage Administration Ends Mass Mortality Nightmare
Close Monitoring with Feeding Stations and Shelters Proves Effective
The National Heritage Administration's "Winter Feeding" initiative, carried out in collaboration with the private sector, government, and military, is showing clear results in the protection of mountain goats. The number of deaths, which reached 785 two years ago, has plummeted to just five this winter.
On the morning of January 15, the National Heritage Administration will hold a "Winter Mountain Goat Feeding Event" together with relevant agencies in Cheonmi-ri, Bangsan-myeon, Yanggu County, Gangwon Province. The border regions of Yanggu and Hwacheon suffered severe damage in the winter of 2023, when record-breaking heavy snow and cold waves led to the mass death of 785 mountain goats.
In response, the National Heritage Administration installed 35 feeding stations and 22 shelters at key habitat sites, and, in cooperation with the 21st Infantry Division and local residents, has been providing regular weekly feedings and monitoring.
This systematic management has led to immediate improvements in key indicators. During the last winter season (November 2024 to March 2025), the number of reported deaths dropped sharply to 32, and this winter (from November 2025 to the present), only five cases have been reported. This represents a nearly 99% decrease in the mortality rate over two years.
The National Heritage Administration plans to supply an additional 12 tons of feed, including mulberry leaves, hay, and corn, by March, when the coldest period ends. It also plans to expand the number of shelters by 20 within this year to further strengthen habitat protection.
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