The tiger has always been a symbol of fierceness, bravery, royalty and regal power. The significance of the tiger is visible throughout history, mythology and literature. For Indians, the tiger evokes a sense of national pride. However, we are not the only people on whom tigers have such an impact. The nations of India and South Korea not only share the same independence day, but the same national animal, the tiger as well. For India, it is the Royal Bengal Tiger, and for South Korea, the Siberian Tiger.  

The impact that this majestic animal has had on the collective psyche of both nations can be seen in its portrayal in folk tales, modern culture, history and mythology, making the tiger an integral part of the national identity for Indians and South Koreans.

TIGERS IN INDIA

The tiger has been a national symbol of our people since the 25th Century BCE, when it was displayed on the Pashupati seal of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Royal Bengal Tiger is a sub species of Panthera Tigris native to India, scientifically known as Panthera Tigris Tigris. It is a source of national pride as it represents India’s biodiversity. Globally, the population of tigers is the highest in India and a big part of this reason being the highly successful “Project Tiger”.  

 Project Tiger was initiated in 1973 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of the Government of India. It is a wildlife conservation movement that was initiated to protect the Royal Bengal Tiger and its habitat. The objective was to establish dedicated tiger reserves for sustaining the then declining tiger population. This project has made an immense positive impact on the population increase of the sub species. There are 55 protected areas that have been designated as tiger reserves under the project and as of 2023 the tiger population living is their natural habitat is estimated to stand at 3,683 wild tigers in India. This figure corresponds to 75% of the worlds tiger population, and with the success of Project Tiger, the numbers continue to rise. 

The strict guidelines mandated and followed by Project Tiger have resulted in successful and gratifying results. Section 38 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, bestowed the responsibility of developing a Tiger Conservation Plan, on the state governments. It mandated the management and planning of designated areas, ensuring the presence of qualified staff to protect the tiger reserve and providing necessary resources to maintain a heathy population of tigers, their co-predators, and prey.  

Amongst the many names India is known by, ’The Land of Tigers’ is one title that acknowledges our tradition, culture and the efforts and work that was put in to protect this majestic species. 

TIGERS IN HINDUISM

In Indian mythology, the tiger enjoys a divine and royal status. Elements of nature are deeply intertwined with the deities in Hinduism, as is evinced by the connection between Goddess Durga and the tiger. 

Maa Durga is worshiped as the principal aspect of mother goddess, Mahadevi. As the goddess of power, strength and protection, she is also associated with motherhood, destruction and wars. She is widely worshipped by the goddess centric sect - Shaktism, as well as followers Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Her divine vehicle (vaahan) is the majestic and ferocious tiger (sometimes also depicted as a lion). She is usually depicted riding her tiger with weapons in her hands. Maa Durga and her tigers are seen as determined and courageous, able to defeat all obstacles and overcome any challenges against whom the forces of evil do not stand a chance.

The tiger is also connected with Maa Kaali, their bond comes from her powerful and fierce demeanour. It is believed that she could tame and control all the powerful aspects of nature, and therefore was linked to the tiger due to their strength, fearlessness and ability to destroy evil. 

Tigers are also seen as Rain Gods in the jungles of India, specifically by the communities of Baiga and Gond. The protector of the jungle was known by many names, like Baghesur, Waghoba and Badadev.

TIGERS IN KOREA

The Siberian Tiger also called the Amur Tiger, scientifically known as Panthera Tigris Altaica, is the genus of tiger that is a resident of Korea. For Koreans, tigers,  have been with them from the very beginning. The legend of “Dangun Wanggeom”, tells the story of the first Korean kingdom and how it was established. The tiger in this legend, is pivotal to the story.  The legend features a bear and a tiger competing to become human, highlighting the bear's perseverance and purity as it transforms into a woman who later gives birth to Dangun. The tiger, representing strength and ambition, ultimately fails, symbolising the triumph of resilience and the values cherished in Korean culture. 

The tiger is so closely linked to Korea’s history, that many folktales will begin with the phrase ‘호랑이 담배 피우던 시절’ (in the time when tigers smoked – a long long time ago). 

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During the Joseon era, tigers were considered the strongest of beasts, that could provide protection and was also symbolised as a person of virtue. This led to many people hanging paintings of the animal in their homes with hopes that they would drive away evil spirits and evoke blessings. 

The specific reason behind the tiger’s influence on Korean culture remains a mystery, however some speculate that one of the causes could be due to the tiger’s familiarity. There was a time in which tigers roamed free in Korea, however, now they are only seen in zoos, that too if one is lucky. Foreign travellers records show that there was an abundance of tigers in the Korean Peninsula. The book “Korea and Her Neighbours”, written more than a century ago by Isabella Bird says, “Joseon people hunt tigers for half a year, and tigers hunt Koreans for the other half year.” Many also believe that the Korean Peninsula looks like a tiger ready to pounce. 

The importance of the tiger to Korean culture was evident when it was selected as the mascot for the Summer and Winter Olympics held by the Republic of Korea.

In the Summer Olympics held in Seoul (서울) in 1988, the mascot was portrayed as an orange Siberian tiger (Korean tiger) called Hodori (호돌이). Ho (호) comes from the Korean word for tiger (호랑이).  

For the Winter Olympics help in Pyeongchang (평창) in 2018, a white tiger (백호) called Soohorang (수호랑) was chosen as the mascot. Sooho (수호) means “protection” in Korean and rang (랑) is again taken from the Korean word for tiger (호랑이). 

The tiger’s unfortunate disappearance from the Korean Peninsula, has made their symbolic significance even more important. The majestic animal that once roamed the country, has become a symbol with strong cultural importance for Koreans. It is now a symbol they identify the entire nation with.

TIGERS IN KOREAN BUDDHISM

The tiger has symbolic and foundational meanings in Korean Buddhism. Most Korean Buddhist temples have tigers, that are central to their creation myths and legends, just like the tiger in the Dangun Wanggeom myth is an integral part of the country’s creation story. 

One of the many, interesting tiger foundation legends, can be found at Bulhoe Temple in Naju, South Jeolla Province. According to the legend, a monk named Seyeom, residing at Bulhoe Temple, came across a tiger and saved its life by removing an ornamental hairpin lodged in its neck. In gratitude, the tiger gifted the monk a maiden. Knowing she belonged to the Andong Kim family in present-day North Gyeongsang Province, the monk returned her home. In appreciation, the Kim clan funded the expansion of the temple for the monk. 

The most prevalent theme in temple artwork is the imagery of Sanshin. Historically, Koreans prayed to the mountains and Sanshin for favourable weather, abundant harvests, good health, and prosperity. Sanshin primarily appears as an old man, though he can occasionally be depicted as a woman. There are countless representations of Sanshin, but he often shares certain traits: typically portrayed as a seated figure, he has long, flowing white hair and a beard, exuding strength and vitality despite his age. His attire is regal, and he usually holds an object like a fan or walking stick, symbolising health, longevity, virility, or spiritual achievement. A key identifying feature of this shaman deity is his companionship with at least one tiger, which serves as both his enforcer and a symbol of his dominion over the Korean mountains. Just as Sanshin is the king of the mountains, so is the tiger.  

The "Tiger and Magpie" is another popular theme in Korean folk art, particularly from the Joseon Dynasty (1400-1800). In these paintings, the magpie symbolises good luck, while the tiger represents the expulsion of evil spirits, making this style common in the Myeongbujeon (Judgment Hall) of temples. One notable variation shows a tiger looking up at a magpie, with a famous example on the exterior wall of Haejangbogak at Tongdo Temple in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province.

The accompanying folk tale tells of a tiger trapped in a puddle in the forest for three days until a woodcutter accidentally finds him. The tiger pleads for help, and the kind man rescues him, but the hungry tiger then tries to eat him. The man seeks judgment from a nearby ox and a pine tree, but they side with the tiger. In desperation, he turns to a magpie for advice. The magpie asks them to reenact the situation, leading the tiger to foolishly return to the puddle and get stuck again, ultimately saving the man. This story underscores the magpie's role as a friend to humans. 

TIGERS OF THE WORLD

Majestic apex predators, tigers inhabit diverse ecosystems across Asia, from the tropical forests of India to the snowy landscapes of Siberia. With striking patterns and powerful physiques, they play crucial roles in their habitats. 

While tigers hold cultural significance worldwide, being the national animal of India, South Korea, Malaysia, and Bangladesh, their rapid decline is alarming. Habitat loss and poaching threaten their survival, making conservation efforts essential. Protecting these iconic big cats is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. Initiatives like “Project Tiger” should be adopted globally to ensure their survival for future generations. Conservation parks such as Corbett and Ranthambore in India should serve as models for other countries where various tiger subspecies are native.  

THE LEGACY OF TIGERS IN INDIA & SOUTH KOREA

Tigers hold deep significance in both Indian and Korean cultures, symbolising strength, protection, and the balance between nature and humanity. In India, tigers represent power and are celebrated in mythology and conservation efforts. In South Korea, they embody virtue and act as guardians against evil spirits. Both cultures honour tigers through art, folklore, and spiritual beliefs, reinforcing their status as cultural icons. 

By appreciating these majestic creatures, we not only honour their legacy but also support vital conservation efforts for their survival. In India, tiger conservation emphasises habitat preservation and anti-poaching initiatives in national parks. In contrast, South Korea focuses on cultural symbolism and habitat restoration, as there are significantly fewer wild tigers left to protect. 

Ultimately, fostering a deeper understanding of tigers in both cultures not only enriches our appreciation for these magnificent animals but also inspires collective action toward their conservation, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.

The majesty of the tiger has captivated the imagination of western authors and poets with an almost religious fervour, expanding the linkages that this majestic animal evokes to nations far from its natural habitat. William Blake’s poem “The Tiger”, published in 1794, highlights the magnificence of this stately animal in all it’s glory. 

The awe inspired by this magnificent animal has created a tenuous link between people of not just two nations but across civilisations.

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