South Korea to ban bear bile farming

January 05, 2026

South Korea is set to officially bring an end to its long-criticised bear bile farming industry this week, marking a major shift in animal welfare policy. Despite the decision, nearly 200 bears remain confined in cages and continue to be raised for bile extraction.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment confirmed that from January 1, 2026, the breeding, ownership, and bile extraction of bears will be strictly prohibited. The move follows amendments to the country’s animal protection laws, which introduce penalties of two to five years in prison for violations.

One of the last countries allowing bear bile extraction

South Korea has been among the few remaining nations where bears—primarily Asiatic black bears, often referred to as moon bears—were legally farmed for bile. The substance has traditionally been used in herbal medicine and food products believed to enhance energy and stamina.

However, demand for bear bile has dropped sharply over the past two decades. Growing skepticism over its medical effectiveness, the availability of affordable synthetic alternatives, and rising public concern over animal cruelty have significantly weakened the industry.

2026 ban follows landmark agreement

The ban stems from a 2022 agreement involving government authorities, bear farmers, and animal welfare organizations, which committed to ending bear bile farming nationwide by 2026.

Under the agreement:

• Animal rights groups are tasked with purchasing bears from farmers

• The government is responsible for building and maintaining sanctuaries

Last year, 21 bears were relocated to a government-run sanctuary in South Jeolla Province. Despite this progress, 199 bears remain on 11 farms across the country as negotiations continue over compensation amounts for farmers surrendering their animals.

Grace period and financial support for farmers

The Environment Ministry stated that farmers will be given a six-month grace period after the ban takes effect. Any bile extraction beyond that window will result in criminal prosecution.

To ease the transition, the government plans to provide financial assistance to farmers for bear care until the animals are relocated. Officials say this policy reflects South Korea’s broader commitment to wildlife protection and international animal welfare standards.

Farmers voice economic concerns

Some bear farmers argue the policy places an unfair financial burden on them. One farmer from Dangjin, who still owns dozens of bears, said others were forced to sell their animals at extremely low prices due to mounting economic pressure. While he criticized the ban as harmful to farmers, he acknowledged he would comply with the law.

Bear farming began in South Korea in the early 1980s when animals were imported from Southeast Asia. The industry later faced global condemnation for keeping bears in cramped cages for decades before slaughter.

At its peak in 2014, around 1,000 bears were held on farms. Since then, many animals have been sterilized through government compensation programs, while others died due to poor living conditions, attacks from other bears, or bile extraction practices.

Calls grow for larger bear sanctuaries

Animal welfare groups have welcomed the government’s commitment to ending bear bile farming but warn that sanctuary capacity remains dangerously insufficient.

While the existing Jeolla Province facility can house up to 49 bears, activists argue that the safe limit should be closer to 30. Plans for a second government sanctuary were delayed after severe flooding and are now expected to open in 2027.

Due to limited space, advocacy groups are exploring partnerships with international zoos and wildlife centers to relocate rescued bears.

Activists urge faster action

Animal rights leaders say the government must act more decisively to remove remaining bears from captivity and expand both public and private sanctuary options.

Campaigners stress that without immediate solutions, rescued bears risk remaining in prolonged confinement despite the official ban.

“Ending the bear bile industry is a major step forward, but without enough safe places for these animals, the job isn’t finished,” one advocate said. “These bears deserve peace, dignity, and as much freedom as possible in natural environments.”