No, owning a hedgehog as a pet is illegal in South Korea under the Wildlife Protection and Management Act (야생생물 보호 및 관리에 관한 법률), enforced by the Ministry of Environment (환경부). The 2026 amendment to the Act explicitly bans private ownership of non-native species like hedgehogs, classifying them as “invasive or potentially harmful wildlife.” Violations may result in fines up to ₩10 million or confiscation.
Key Regulations for Owning a Hedgehog in South Korea
- Wildlife Protection Act (2026 Amendment): Explicitly prohibits private ownership of hedgehogs, including African pygmy and European species, under Article 23 (개인소유 금지 대상 야생생물).
- Ministry of Environment Enforcement Decree: Mandates confiscation of illegally held hedgehogs; permits for research or conservation are strictly limited to licensed institutions.
- Customs and Quarantine Regulations: Import bans apply under the Plant Quarantine Act (식물방역법), with mandatory inspection and destruction of smuggled hedgehogs at Incheon International Airport.
Non-compliance risks administrative penalties, including permanent exclusion from wildlife-related permits. Exemptions exist solely for zoological or scientific entities with prior approval from the Ministry of Environment.