What is North Korea's National Animal?
The Chollima
Quick Species Overview
Why is the Chollima the National Animal of North Korea?
As North Korea's national animal, the Chollima stands for the country's landscape, identity and public heraldry. The mythical winged horse is said to be too swift for any mortal rider to mount. It is a legendary or heraldic figure rather than a species, so the choice is cultural and symbolic rather than zoological.
Across national holidays, sovereign heraldry, and public monuments, the Chollima stands as a beloved guardian representing the courage and identity of North Korea.
Key Wildlife & Ecological Facts
Its scientific name is a legendary figure, not a species.
The Chollima appears in North Korea's coat of arms, coinage and ceremonial regalia, where it stands for the values the country chose to project.
It is a legendary or heraldic figure rather than a species, so the choice is cultural and symbolic rather than zoological.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official national animal of North Korea?
The official national animal of North Korea is the Chollima (scientific name: a legendary figure, not a species).
Why was the Chollima chosen as the symbol of North Korea?
As North Korea's national animal, the Chollima stands for the country's landscape, identity and public heraldry. The mythical winged horse is said to be too swift for any mortal rider to mount. It is a legendary or heraldic figure rather than a species, so the choice is cultural and symbolic rather than zoological.
Is the Chollima endangered?
The conservation status of the Chollima is currently recognized as Mythical / Cultural.
What is the scientific name of the North Korea national animal?
The Chollima is a legendary figure, not a species, so it has no binomial. North Korea uses a mythical rather than a species, which is why it appears on national heraldry instead of in conservation science.
Is the Chollima the only national animal in Asia?
No. North Korea is the only country in our 1 other Asia entries to use the Chollima, but all Asia countries in the quiz have a national animal of their own, and no species is used by every country on the continent.
Can you guess North Korea on the 3D globe?
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