Many people ask themselves: “Are there giant pandas at Everland Zoo in South Korea?”. The answer is yes — even though these beautiful animals are not native to the country, today they live and thrive in the heart of Korea thanks to a cooperation agreement with China. giant panda, a universal symbol of conservation and environmental diplomacy, has arrived on the Korean Peninsula as part of a program international loan aimed at strengthening ties between Seoul and Beijing. Today, four pandas reside in the famous Everland Zoo in Yongin, in Gyeonggi Province, one of the most visited attractions in the country.
Everland Zoo, South Korea's giant pandas: ambassadors of peace and biodiversity
Since 2016, the Everland Zoo It has become the centerpiece of South Korea's giant panda conservation project. Here, visitors can observe these extraordinary creatures up close, while Korean and Chinese biologists work together to ensure their well-being and promote environmental awareness.
Ai Bao (爱宝): Everland's first treasure
Born on July 13, 2013 at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Sichuan, Ai Bao She was one of the first two pandas to set foot on Korean soil in March 2016. Her name, meaning "Treasure of Love," is a direct homage to Everland itself. Since then, Ai Bao has become a true national star, the protagonist of numerous media events and an ambassador for Sino-Korean friendship.
Le Bao (乐宝): the cheerful and curious companion
Born on July 28, 2012, Le Bao He arrived with Ai Bao in the same year. His name means "Joyful Treasure," and his personality perfectly reflects this definition. In recent years, some health issues and environmental stress have raised concerns, but thanks to collaboration with Chinese veterinarians and researchers, the zoo has taken targeted measures to ensure the animals' maximum comfort and ongoing care.
The new born: Rui Bao and Hui Bao, the twins who have conquered the public
The July 7, 2023 marked a new page in the history of pandas in South Korea. Ai Bao gave birth to two twins, a very rare event for the species.
Rui Bao (睿宝): “Sage Treasure”
Lively, energetic and incredibly curious, Rui Bao She has become a Korean crowd favorite. At her first birthday party, she captured the spotlight by grabbing a small, symbolic barbell—a gesture fans interpreted as a sign of strength and vitality.
Hui Bao (辉宝): “Shining Treasure”
The twin sister, HuiBao, is no less charming. Cheerful and sociable, she won over visitors by grabbing a microphone during her first birthday celebrations—a gesture that went viral on social media. Both represent the future of South Korea's panda conservation program.
You may also be interested in:
Panda Le Bao is being treated: here's why
Fu Bao: the first panda born in Korea and a symbol of a lasting bond
Before the twins, the real protagonist was Fu Bao (福宝), born on July 20, 2020 at Everland Zoo — the first giant panda born in South Korea. Fu Bao has become a media phenomenon, followed by millions of fans and nicknamed “the princess of Korea”. In 2024, as required by international agreements, Fu Bao left Korea to reach China, where she was welcomed with enthusiasm and made her Official debut in Chengdu on June 12, 2024. His departure was followed by a touching outpouring of affection from the Korean public, a sign of how much these animals have entered the country's hearts.
Pandas in South Korea: More Than Animals, They're Cultural Ambassadors
The panda project in South Korea is not just a story of zoology, but a concrete example of environmental diplomacy. Through cooperation between China and South Korea, these animals become real symbols of harmony and sustainability. Today, thanks to the work of the Everland team and its conservation programs, Korea is actively contributing to the protection of one of the most beloved and vulnerable species on the planet.