Jeju Black Cattle

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.546

Category

동식물

Designated year

2013

Location

제주시, 제주특별자치도— 제주특별자치도 제주시 신비마을길 13 (노형동, 제주특별자치도 축산진흥원)

Coordinates

33.441171, 126.486753Kakao address conversion

Known to have been bred in Jeju even before the first century BCE, Jeju Black Cattle have been an important part of the local heritage of Jeju. The cattle were highly regarded even when Korea was under dynastic rule, having been sent regularly to the royal court as special tributary gifts as recorded in old historical texts such as Joseon wangjo sillok (Annals of the Joseon Dynasty), Tamna sullyeokdo (Inspection Tour of Jeju), and Tamna ginyeon (Historical Record of Jeju). Black Cattle of Jeju are characterized by solid black hair, comparatively small body, and sturdy and strong constitution. A latest genetic analysis of the cattle revealed that they are characteristically different from other cattle raised in mainland Korea such as hanu (Korean cattle), chikso (Korean brindle cattle), and other mixed breeds. Now officially recognized by the Korean government as a distinct cattle breed native to Jeju, raising Black Cattle of Jeju is systematically supervised by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Institute.

Location