▲ Osugae
Imsil County in North Jeolla Province announced today (July 30) that it is pushing for the designation of "Osugae," a native dog breed rooted in a folktale about a loyal dog, as a natural monument.
Osugae is the protagonist of a loyal dog folktale that saved its owner, recorded in the Goryeo Dynasty literature "Bohanjip," and is a native breed with a long history and profound cultural symbolism.
In 2024, the breed was officially registered in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), gaining official international recognition for its uniqueness.
Under the Act on the Preservation and Utilization of Natural Heritage, Imsil County plans to pursue the designation of Osugae as a natural monument to ensure systematic preservation at the national level and pass it down to future generations.
The county recently held a review meeting for the application materials to designate Osugae as a natural monument at Osu Ryeonuri, where officials comprehensively inspected the application data and discussed the direction of the initiative.
During the meeting, participants discussed ways to enhance data reliability across evaluation items—such as historical background and current breeding and preservation status—in preparation for the National Heritage Administration's review, while also reinforcing expert opinions.
Imsil County plans to submit the application by reflecting these supplementary points and focus all efforts on follow-up procedures, including on-site investigations and reviews.
County Mayor Han Deuk-su stated, "This is a crucial process to gain national recognition for the value of Osugae, which carries a millennium-old folktale of loyalty," adding, "We will do our utmost to supplement the application materials and prepare for the on-site inspection to achieve successful results."
(Photo provided by Imsil County, Yonhap News)
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