Jindo Dogs are such an iconic part of the Korean national identity that they were marched out during the opening ceremonies of the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.

Named for the coastal island to which it is native, the Jindo Dog received its national treasure status in 1962, and has been further safeguarded under the Cultural Properties Protection Act.  They are beloved, and renowned for their unwavering loyalty and devotion to their masters. Originally bred as hunting dogs, Jindos travelled in packs, catching and standing over their prey as one dog returned to their owner to show him the way back. Jindos are still known to do this, and some owners report being wakened in the night by their dogs and led to a stray squirrel.

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