Imagine strolling through the picturesque campus of Seoul National University, known for its tranquil atmosphere and lush greenery nestled at the foot of Gwanaksan Mountain. But here’s where it gets unsettling: a growing pack of feral dogs has turned this idyllic setting into a source of fear for students and staff alike. What happens when nature’s predators become unwelcome neighbors?
In recent years, the presence of these wild dogs has become increasingly noticeable, with the Gwanak-gu Office reporting a steady rise in stray dog captures. Between January and October 2025, a total of 63 dogs were caught in the district, up from 46 in 2023 and 56 in 2024. Officials estimate that around 30 of these dogs call Gwanaksan Mountain home, where they breed unchecked, sustaining their population. And this is the part most people miss: the issue isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the growing tension between wildlife and urban life.
In October, a team of experts from the Gwanak-gu Office captured six feral dogs near the university’s dormitory buildings using tranquilizer guns. This operation came after a concerning incident in January 2024, when a student suffered minor injuries after being bitten by two stray dogs near the campus. As sightings of these dogs have increased, especially along mountain trails and near dormitories, fear has spread among the student body. Some have even taken to online forums like Everytime to share survival tips, such as avoiding eye contact, staying calm, and tossing food away if confronted.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is capturing and euthanizing these dogs the only solution, or are we overlooking more humane and sustainable approaches? Since 2017, when the university installed nine capture traps, sightings have become more frequent, yet the population remains stubbornly resilient. Officials point to a historical factor: the closure of dog meat restaurants in the district led to many dogs raised for slaughter being released into the mountains. These dogs have since bred freely, maintaining a stable population that’s difficult to control.
Since 2022, the Gwanak-gu Office has deployed a five-member team of experts and veterinarians to safely capture feral dogs. Captured animals are taken to a local shelter, where they are put up for adoption. If no one claims them within 10 days, they are euthanized. With winter approaching, experts warn that the dogs may venture further down the mountain in search of food, increasing the risk of human encounters.
While officials emphasize the need for capture operations, some argue that long-term measures like sterilization could be more effective. “Capture alone isn’t enough,” said an official from the Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Management Headquarters. “We need to address the root cause by managing their reproduction.”
What do you think? Is euthanasia the only way to manage this issue, or should we explore alternatives like sterilization and habitat management? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation that needs your voice.
