Korean Guard Dogs

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Korea's indigenous canine, the Sapsal dog is making use of its exceptional sense of smell and guard instincts to help protect the country's cultural heritage sites. Here’s more.

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This was the advance base of the Joseon Navy, which led the Hansan naval battle with a crane's wing tactic under the leadership of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. This is the Tongyeong tri-provincial naval base, designated historical site No. 420. A new guard has been stationed to protect the naval headquarters as well as Sebyeonggwan, a guesthouse for high-ranking officials appointed National Treasure No. 305. That guard is Heemang-i, a four-year old male Sapsal, an indigenous canine breed and Korea's Natural Monument No. 368. Having undergone training for the past year, Heemang-i will take on patrol and nighttime security duties.

[Soundbite] Lee Byeong-ju(Resident Researcher, TTDC) : "A sapsal dog can use its sense of smell to prevent fire or man-made disasters."

Heemang-i is a dog raised to guard cultural assets. The Cultural Heritage Administration has been investing roughly 135,000 dollars annually for the project since 2014. The idea is that it's more meaningful for an indigenous dog to protect historical sites and national treasures.

[Soundbite] Lee Jeong-geun(Daejeon Resident) : "Employing Korea's indigenous sapsal dog to protect cultural properties is a good way to build up patriotism."

Nineteen heritage protection dogs have been dispatched so far to guard 11 cultural properties, national treasures and Buddhist temples.