Meeting a squirrel in Korea is a challenge, but quite possible to achieve. In fact, they are all around, and there is no need to hike deep into the wild to meet one—pretty many are found around palaces and mountains surrounding the capital city of Seoul.
One of the best places to watch squirrels is Seoraksan National Park, they seem to love Seoraksan Mountains. The rodents are there all the time, except winter months, when spotting them is problematic. The best chances to encounter a lovely squirrel fall in autumn when the animals are busy collecting food for winter.
Practical info
When is the ideal time to spot squirrels in Seoraksan Mountains of South Korea?
The best time to see squirrels in Seoraksan Mountains is between March to November. This period is characterized by mild and pleasant weather. The fall season, from September to November, is considered the best as the squirrels are busy collecting food for winter, and the mountains are surrounded by beautiful fall foliage. Show more
Apart from the Seoraksan National Park, where else can you spot squirrels and chipmunks in South Korea?
Squirrels and chipmunks can be found widely across South Korea in places such as palaces, parks, and mountains. Besides Seoraksan National Park, Olympic Park, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace are popular places to watch squirrels and chipmunks in Seoul because of large green areas and well-maintained gardens that provide good habitat for them. Show more
What are the other popular places to go squirrel watching in Seoul besides Seoraksan National Park?
Olympic Park, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace are some of the other popular places with large green areas and well-maintained gardens to watch squirrels and chipmunks in Seoul besides Seoraksan National Park. Visitors can spot these rodents living in the natural habitats while visiting these tourist destinations. Show more
What is the diet of squirrels and chipmunks in South Korea?
The rodents living in South Korea are generally omnivores; squirrels and chipmunks feed on acorns, fruits, seeds, and insects, including native pine cones, nuts, and seeds which are some of the favorite foods of squirrels. While chipmunks live primarily on seeds and fruits, they also consume insects as a supplementary diet. Show more
Does meeting a squirrel in Korea bring good luck?
The locals of Korea believe that meeting a squirrel can bring good luck. Although there are no scientific studies that confirm this belief, many people in Korea consider it as a good luck charm. In Korean culture, squirrels represent productivity, preparation, and conservation, which are associated with luck and prosperity. Show more
