North Korea’s Canine Friendship Gift: Two Pungsan Dogs for President Moon
In a scene straight out of a fairy‑tale diplomacy, the South Korean head of state, Moon Jae‑in got his hands on a pair of native North Korean hunting dogs — the Pungsan breed — during a recent summit in Pyongyang.
What the Dogs Bring to the Table
- Faithful companions – Pungsans are famed for their loyalty and keen hunting instincts.
- Royal pedigree – With a thick creamy coat, sharp ears, and hazel eyes, these dogs are a national treasure of the North.
- Kid‑friendly animals – Moon already owns a Pungsan named Maru, so the new pups fit right into his pet lineup.
Thanks to the truce village of Panmunjom, the dogs arrived with a box of 3 kg dog food to help them settle in. They were presented last Thursday after the North‑South summit.
A History of Dog‑Mediated Diplomacy
Similar to the 2000 trip where former President Kim Dae‑jung received his own Pungsan pups, these animals have been used as symbols of goodwill in Korean dialogue.
Where They Live & What They Did
The previous Pungsan pair lived at the Seoul Grand Park. Both passed away naturally in 2013 after producing an impressive litter of 21 puppies.
The New Residents
Moon’s new dogs will now call the Cheong Wa Dae presidential office home, joining his other beloved pets: a wise old shelter cat named Jjing‑Jjing and a loyal black mutt called Tory.
More than Just Pets
Beyond the cuddly charm, the gift follows a March agreement where Kim Jong Un pledged to shut a missile‑testing site and visit Seoul. Both Koreas also rolled out plans to co‑bid for the 2032 Olympics.
So, while the headlines may focus on policy shifts, between the wagging tails, you can definitely feel that some good‑old‑fashioned friendship is in play.
