As the calendar flips from April to May, South Korea’s highways become a stage for a seasonal drama—one that involves not only cars and commuters but also a surprising cast of wild animals. The Korea Expressway Corporation, on April 29, 2026, issued a timely warning: with wild animals growing more active in May and June, drivers must exercise heightened caution to avoid animal-related highway accidents.
According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, the numbers paint a compelling picture. Over the past five years, from 2021 to 2025, a total of 4,806 animal-related accidents occurred on the nation’s highways. What’s striking is that 1,667 of these incidents—an eye-opening 34.7%—took place in just two months: May and June. It seems that as spring matures and the landscape comes alive, so too does the risk of an unexpected encounter between vehicles and wildlife.
The danger is not evenly spread throughout the day. Early mornings, particularly between midnight and 8 a.m., are especially perilous. In fact, 2,014 accidents (41.9% of the total) happened during these hours. For those who find themselves on the road before dawn, the statistics are a clear signal: vigilance is essential.
But which animals are most often involved in these incidents? The Korea Expressway Corporation’s data reveals that roe deer are by far the most frequent victims, accounting for 3,944 cases—or a staggering 82.1% of all animal-related highway accidents. Raccoon dogs come in a distant second with 337 cases (7.0%), followed by wild boars at 232 cases (4.8%). The high number of roe deer accidents is attributed to two factors: the absence of top predators in many regions, and the increased movement of these animals in spring as they search for food and care for their young.
So, what can drivers do to reduce the risk? Authorities urge motorists to pay close attention to electronic road signs and wildlife warning signs. These signs, often displayed on variable message boards, alert drivers to areas where animal crossings are more likely. The Korea Expressway Corporation recommends strict forward attention and adherence to speed limits, especially in regions known for wildlife activity.
If a driver spots a wild animal on the road, the advice is clear: avoid sudden steering or abrupt braking, both of which can lead to loss of control or secondary accidents. Instead, drivers should use their horn to warn the animal and alert other motorists to potential danger. One perhaps surprising tip: at night, avoid using high beams when animals are nearby, as the intense light can startle them and trigger unpredictable movements.
But what happens if a collision does occur? The Korea Expressway Corporation has developed a protocol known as ‘Beet Box’ to minimize further risks. In the event of an accident, drivers should immediately turn on their hazard lights, open the trunk to signal that the vehicle is disabled, and move themselves and any passengers to a safe location outside the guardrails. Only then should they report the incident to the Korea Expressway Corporation call center—ensuring that help arrives quickly and safely. As the Corporation puts it, these steps are crucial to "prevent secondary accidents and ensure everyone’s safety."
Behind the scenes, the Korea Expressway Corporation is working hard to make highways safer for both people and animals. Each year, the agency installs an additional 50 kilometers of guiding fences designed to keep wildlife off the roads. As of this year, a total of 3,354 kilometers of such fences have been installed nationwide. These barriers are a physical reminder of the ongoing effort to reduce tragic encounters between vehicles and wildlife.
Technology is also playing an increasingly important role. Across the country, ecological corridors—passages that allow animals to move safely between habitats—are now equipped with AI-based monitoring systems. These systems, powered by wireless cameras and deep learning algorithms, provide 24-hour surveillance of animal movements. By automatically analyzing which species are using the corridors and when, the Korea Expressway Corporation can better target its safety measures and respond to emerging risks in real time.
Restoration and preservation efforts extend beyond just fences and cameras. The agency is also spearheading ecological restoration projects to repair damaged habitats and create new living spaces for wildlife and plants. These initiatives, which include restoring ecological corridors and rehabilitating natural environments, are designed to address the root causes of animal movement across highways—making roads safer while also supporting biodiversity.
The results of these combined efforts are starting to show. According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, animal-related highway accidents have dropped significantly over the past five years. In 2021, there were 1,115 such incidents; by 2025, that number had fallen to 793—a reduction of 322 cases, or 28.9%. While the problem has not been entirely eliminated, the downward trend offers hope that continued investment in prevention and technology will make a real difference.
Still, the Corporation is not resting on its laurels. In a statement, a spokesperson emphasized, "We will continue to prioritize the safety of highway users by strengthening accident prevention facilities and creating a safe environment where people and animals can coexist." The message is clear: while progress has been made, the work is far from over. Each spring, as the forests and fields awake, the challenge of keeping highways safe for all remains as urgent as ever.
For everyday drivers, the takeaway is straightforward but vital. As the weather warms and wildlife becomes more active, a little extra caution can go a long way. Whether it’s paying attention to that flashing wildlife warning sign, slowing down just a bit, or knowing exactly what to do if the unexpected happens, these small actions add up to safer journeys for everyone—on two legs, four legs, or even hooves.
The story unfolding on South Korea’s highways is one of adaptation and coexistence. With technology, infrastructure, and public awareness working together, the hope is that both people and animals can travel their paths safely, side by side.