Pigeons catch and eat insects by a pond in Seoul. Korea Times file

Starting in March, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will enforce fines of up to 1 million won ($682) on those caught feeding wild animals, such as pigeons and magpies, in the city's urban parks and along the Han River.

The new ordinance was approved on Dec. 26 by the Seoul Metropolitan Council as part of the city's move to regulate the feeding of wild animals, which has caused significant damage to local ecosystems and agricultural areas.

The ordinance, titled Seoul City Ban on Feeding Harmful Wild Animals, is a response to the country's revised Wildlife Protection and Management Act, which grants local authorities the power to ban the feeding of harmful wildlife and enforce penalties for violators. Harmful wild animals, as defined by the law, include species like sparrows, magpies, crows, pigeons and wild boars, which are known to damage crops and contribute to overpopulation in certain regions.

According to the city of Seoul, pigeon-related complaints have risen from 667 in 2020 to 1,177 in 2021, 1,325 in 2022 and 1,432 in 2023. The complaints primarily concern pedestrian inconveniences, hygiene issues such as droppings and feathers, and the disposal of pigeon carcasses.

Seoul's local government will be responsible for monitoring and regulating feeding activities within designated "feeding prohibition zones" that include urban parks, national infrastructure areas and cultural heritage sites, as well as popular areas like Han River parks. Any individuals found violating the new regulation could face a fine of up to 1 million won.

The ordinance will take effect on Jan. 24, with the fine provision officially implemented on March 1.