The Lost Tigers of Korea: From Ancient Legends to BTS's Webtoon – Discover Their Untold Story!

Korea's history is rich with stories of the tiger, especially the revered Baekdu Tiger, a symbol of power, resilience, and mysticism. Once roaming freely across the Korean Peninsula, tigers have long been intertwined with the nation's folklore, art, and cultural identity. The Baekdu Tiger, named after Mount Baekdu, Korea’s highest mountain and a site of spiritual significance, is often seen as the embodiment of courage and national pride.

Remarkably, tigers were not only found in remote mountains but also in areas as urban as modern-day Seoul. During the Joseon Dynasty, tiger attacks on villagers were a real concern, leading to the formation of specialized military units known as **Chakho-gabsa*. These elite hunters were tasked with capturing or killing tigers to protect the populace. The legacy of the Chakho unit even inspired the popular BTS webtoon, *7 Fates: Chakho*, where the story draws on these historical elements while mixing them with fantasy.

Beyond legends, tigers frequently appear in **Korean folk paintings (민화)**, particularly in works like *Tiger and Magpie (까치와 호랑이)*. These paintings often depict tigers as playful or slightly comical figures, contrasting with their feared presence in real life. The magpie, seen as a bringer of good news, is often placed alongside the tiger, symbolizing a balance between good fortune and the tiger’s powerful energy. Such artworks became popular during the Joseon period and are still beloved for their charm and deeper symbolic meanings.

A popular Korean expression, **“호랑이 담배 피던 시절,”** which translates to “the time when tigers smoked pipes,” is often used humorously to refer to a mythical, ancient past. This phrase conjures up an image of a time so long ago that it has become a mix of fantasy and folklore, indicating something almost beyond memory. It reflects how deeply tigers are rooted in Korean imagination and cultural storytelling.

Many Koreans like to believe the shape of their peninsula resembles a tiger, reflecting its symbolic strength, rather than the more commonly suggested bunny. This interpretation highlights the tiger's deep connection with Korea’s identity, resilience, and history.

However, can you still spot tigers in the wild today? Sadly, no. Tigers have not been seen in Korea for over a century due to hunting and habitat loss. The last recorded sighting of a Baekdu Tiger in Korea dates back to the early 20th century. While efforts to conserve their memory through symbolism remain strong, the wild tigers that once roamed Korea now only exist in stories, legends, and traditional art. Today, conservation efforts focus on preserving the Siberian Tiger population, mainly found in parts of Russia and China. Yet, the spirit of the Baekdu Tiger lives on, immortalized in Korea’s cultural heritage, art, and national pride.

If you're interested in Korea and its tigers, check out the brand TeenyTiger in our shop! TeenyTiger combines "Teeny," which refers to both "teenage" and "tiny," with "Tiger" to represent a small and cute version of the traditionally fierce animal. The brand offers Korean-inspired designs and aims to transform the traditional image of a strong, intimidating tiger into something more approachable and cute.