Imsil County in North Jeolla Province is taking steps to have the Osu Dog, a native breed that embodies the 'loyal dog folklore,' recognized as a natural monument at the national level.
On July 30, the county announced that it recently held a review meeting to assess the application materials for the Osu Dog's designation as a natural monument, discussing future directions and necessary improvements.
The Osu Dog is featured in historical texts from the Goryeo Dynasty, such as the 'Bohanjip,' as the protagonist of the 'loyal dog that saved its owner' tale, making it a significant cultural symbol and representative native breed of South Korea.
In 2024, the breed was officially registered as a native dog of South Korea in the UN FAO's Global Animal Genetic Resources Information System (DAD-IS), gaining international recognition for its uniqueness and conservation value.
To systematically preserve and manage the historical and academic value of the Osu Dog for future generations, the county is pursuing its designation as a natural monument under the 'Law on the Preservation and Utilization of Natural Heritage.'
During the recent meeting, various suggestions were made to enhance the completeness of the application materials in preparation for the National Heritage Administration's review.
Participants agreed to improve the structure and logic of the materials to clearly convey the Osu Dog's unique historical and cultural significance, as well as its academic value, while strengthening the objective evidence.
Additionally, they plan to systematically organize key evaluation items, including the historical background, human environment, current breeding and conservation status, and future management, while incorporating expert opinions from related fields to enhance the reliability and persuasiveness of the application materials.
The county will also review the criteria for expert opinion letters as stipulated in the enforcement decree of the 'Law on the Preservation and Utilization of Natural Heritage,' ensuring that qualified experts provide objective and professional opinions to thoroughly prepare for the National Heritage Administration's review.
Since the launch of the 'Osu Dog Natural Monument Designation Research Project' in March, the county has been consistently conducting research and verification on the breed's historical significance, lineage, and cultural value.
Following the recent review meeting, the county plans to promptly incorporate the identified improvements, consult with relevant agencies, and submit the final application, while systematically responding to subsequent procedures such as site investigations and reviews.
The push for the Osu Dog's designation as a natural monument is expected to enhance not only the preservation of cultural heritage but also the brand value of the Osu Dog, strengthen the status of Imsil as a pet-friendly city, and positively impact the pet industry and tourism.
A natural monument is a designation by the state for animals, plants, geological and mineral resources, and natural reserves that hold significant historical, scenic, and academic value, as defined by the 'Law on the Preservation and Utilization of Natural Heritage,' with the National Heritage Administration's head overseeing the designation process after a review by the National Heritage Committee.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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