Bear Bile Farming Ends After Decades of Decline

South Korea will end bear breeding and bile extraction from January 2026, formally closing a long-criticised industry and strengthening protections for captive wild animals.

“Our plan reflects our country’s resolve to improve the welfare of wild animals and fulfil our international responsibility,” said Kim Sung-whan, Minister of Environment, adding that the government would protect bears “until the last one”.

The ban follows a 2022 agreement between authorities, farmers and animal welfare groups and introduces prison sentences of up to five years for violations. Bear bile farming began in the 1980s and once involved around 1,000 animals, but demand has fallen sharply due to ethical concerns and medical alternatives. In 2025, 21 bears were relocated to a government sanctuary, while 199 remain across 11 farms, with state funding and rescue efforts continuing to transition the remaining animals into protected care.