The Changbai Mountain range in North Korea is not only famous for its beautiful landscapes but is also home to a unique dog breed that is deeply intertwined with Korean history: the Pungsan dog. This breed originates from the Pungsan region, now known as Kim Hyong-gwon County in Ryanggang Province, North Korea.
The Pungsan dog is known for its intelligence, agility, and fierce fighting spirit against intruders. North Koreans train Pungsan dogs for hunting due to their excellent observational skills and unwavering loyalty to their owners. The Pungsan is considered a unique breed in North Korea, comparable to the Jindo of South Korea and the Akita or Shiba of Japan.
According to NK News, North Koreans emphasize the “independence” and “pride” of this breed. Pungsan dogs are believed to be capable of hunting, fighting alongside their owners, and serving as loyal companions. Despite an average weight of less than 28 kg, these dogs are thought to be able to confront wild boars, bears, and even tigers that are much larger than themselves.
When faced with an enemy or prey, Pungsan dogs exhibit a fierce and relentless fighting spirit unmatched by other breeds. They charge at their opponents and do not let go until their adversary is defeated.
The Pungsan dog, a breed closely associated with the history of the people on the Korean peninsula. (Photo: TTTT – KN)
This breed has strong and sturdy hind legs, allowing them to run quickly in mountainous terrain, and their eyes are relatively small. The ears are small and positioned either forward or to the sides. Pungsan dogs have a short, thick neck and a curled tail.
The male’s belly is higher than that of the female, and typically, males are faster. Compared to other breeds, Pungsan dogs have shorter legs, yet they remain agile. The coat of a Pungsan dog is usually white, although some may have light brown fur.
Males stand at approximately 55 cm tall and weigh between 24 to 28 kg, while females are about 53 cm tall and weigh between 22 to 24 kg. Pungsan dogs typically give birth to litters of 5 to 6 puppies, and it takes about 60 days for the puppies to wean.
Pungsan dogs are highly resilient to cold weather and diseases. In North Korea, efforts continue to maintain the breed’s purity, and the Pungsan is even regarded as a “living treasure.”
According to Dog Zone, the Pungsan is the rarest of the three indigenous dog breeds on the Korean peninsula (the other two being Jindo and Sapsali). This breed developed in the mountainous regions of Korea around the 16th century. There are various opinions regarding the history of this breed, with some suggesting it is a crossbreed of Siberian Laika, Mastiffs, or Herding dogs, while others believe it may be related to wolves. Overall, the Pungsan is highly valued for its courage and strength, making it a popular choice for hunting and protection. Furthermore, this breed is known for its remarkable loyalty to its owner.
During the Japanese occupation of Korea, the Pungsan was declared a national treasure. Later on, to protect the breed’s purity, North Korea prohibited the export of Pungsan dogs to other countries.
Pungsan Peace Dogs at the Blue House
Some Pungsan dogs have also become symbols of the relationship between North and South Korea during the thawing of relations. According to CNN, in 2000, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il gifted then-South Korean President Kim Dae-jung two Pungsan dogs named Uri and Duri. The South Korean leader reciprocated with two Jindo dogs named Peace and Unity. The pair of Pungsan dogs were initially housed at the Blue House before being transferred to a zoo.
Recently, another pair of Pungsan dogs has gained attention due to reports that former South Korean President Moon Jae-in wishes to return them after a period of care, as he has not received adequate legal and financial support per government regulations. This pair of dogs was gifted to Moon by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un following the inter-Korean talks in 2018.
Gomi (left) and Songgang (right) were gifted to then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2018. (Photo: Blue House)
According to CNN, the former South Korean president continues to care for the two dogs despite no longer being in office, and they were originally state-owned. However, on November 7, Moon’s office stated that he is transferring the dogs to the Presidential Archives, as current President Yoon Suk-yeol is blocking the legal process that would allow Moon to continue caring for them.
The South Korean Ministry of the Interior and Safety has confirmed that the government is negotiating with Moon to provide monthly allowances totaling 2.5 million won (approximately 1,800 USD) for the dogs.
President Yoon, who is caring for four dogs and three cats, denies obstructing Moon’s ability to keep the Pungsan pair, stating instead that discussions among the relevant agencies are ongoing.
