Release aims to reconnect Baekdudaegan ecological corridor and stabilize goral numbers

The Korea National Park Service, under the Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy, said Wednesday it would release six goral — a critically endangered species — into Songnisan National Park.

The release is intended to restore a goral population at Songnisan, the heart of the central Baekdudaegan mountain range, and to boost biodiversity in the area. June was chosen because the abundance of fresh shoots and herbaceous plants this time of year is expected to help the animals adapt quickly to the wild.

The six animals — two females and four males — were selected from individuals under care at the National Park Wildlife Conservation Institute and the Yanggu Goral and Musk Deer Center. Three came from each facility, chosen for their good health and strong capacity to adapt to natural conditions.

The National Park Service plans to attach GPS tracking devices to the released goral to monitor their habitat adaptation and movement patterns.

Alongside the release, the agency will carry out habitat stabilization work, including the removal of illegal hunting traps, to help the animals settle safely.

"The goral is a flagship species that symbolizes the ecological health of the Baekdudaegan," National Park Service President Ju Dae-young said. "We will actively guide visitors to use designated trails and take other steps to ensure the goral's habitat is reliably protected."

Goral population figures across national parks as of May 2026 (left) and the Baekdudaegan goral restoration plan (right) [Korea National Park Service]
Goral population figures across national parks as of May 2026 (left) and the Baekdudaegan goral restoration plan (right) [Korea National Park Service]

thlee@heraldcorp.com