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Are exotic pets illegal in South Korea?

Yes. Exotic pets are banned in South Korea. White list since 14 Dec 2025: unlisted wild species may not be owned.

Wildlife Protection and Management Act as amended, in force 14 Dec 2025: a 'white list' (888 species designated by the Ministry of Environment, 11 Dec 2025) of species that may be traded and kept; every other animal not already a legally managed or companion species is 'designated management wildlife' whose import, transfer, acquisition and possession are prohibited; existing owners keep theirs for life after reporting within 6 months, no breeding (Korea Herald; dailyvet.co.kr; kyeongin.com).

Source: Wildlife Act am. 14 Dec 2025

• South Korea is one of 11 countries where exotic pets are banned, and 48 more restrict them.
• Its neighbours: banned in 0 of 1.
• In Asia: banned in 2 of 46 countries.

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Other countries that ban exotic pets

SingaporeCosta RicaBoliviaCyprusLithuaniaLuxembourgNorwayAustraliaBelgiumNetherlandsAll 11 on the map ›

What else is banned in South Korea