In a bid to protect the endangered Korean goral, a species of mountain goat native to the Korean Peninsula, the National Heritage Administration has announced the construction of new shelters and feeding stations in the Yanggu and Hwacheon regions of Gangwon Province.

Last winter, an unprecedented cold snap and heavy snowfall led to the deaths of over 1,000 gorals, primarily due to malnutrition and exhaustion. To prevent further losses, the administration, in cooperation with the military, has installed 20 new shelters and 10 feeding stations within the Civilian Control Line (CCL) in these regions. Additionally, 31 new surveillance cameras have been installed to monitor the animals.

"We plan to build 10 more shelters in the future, especially in areas where gorals have been found dead or where there were no existing feeding stations," said an official from the National Heritage Administration.

The administration is also working with local authorities to conduct regular surveys of goral populations in northern Gangwon Province and to strengthen conservation efforts. Joint patrols will be conducted to rescue gorals in distress during the winter months.

To address concerns about the impact of African Swine Fever (ASF) prevention fences on goral movement, the administration will work with relevant agencies to identify areas where additional openings in the fences may be necessary.

The Korean goral, a symbol of Korea's pristine natural environment, is classified as a natural monument and a critically endangered species. The new conservation measures are expected to significantly improve the survival rate of this iconic animal.