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Joseon's tiger hunters

In Joseon Korea, tigers killed people often enough that the government created a special military unit to hunt them: the chakho gapsa (착호갑사), the "armored soldiers who catch tigers". Catch two tigers and you skipped the entrance test. Catch five and you were promoted.

▶ Watch the 1-minute version: To get promoted in this Korean army unit, catch 5 tigers

A real danger

Tiger attacks, called hohwan (호환), were a real threat in Joseon's mountains and villages. The royal records describe officials being sent out because "a fierce tiger is harming people", as in Gyeongsang province in 1445. At first the state sent ordinary troops when a tiger caused trouble. Later it set up units in the capital and the provinces whose job was to hunt tigers and leopards.

The tiger-catching soldiers

The unit was called chakho gapsa. Chakho means "catching tigers", and gapsa were armored soldiers. The name first appears in the records in 1416, under King Taejong. Under King Sejong, a unit of 20 tiger hunters was formally organized.

Tigers instead of an exam

Joining normally meant passing a test in archery or spear fighting. But the rules offered a shortcut: anyone who killed two tigers with a bow or spear could skip the test and be appointed directly. And a tiger hunter who caught five or more tigers was promoted, on the same terms as soldiers of the royal guard.

From danger to symbol

Tigers are long gone from South Korea's mountains, and the animal that once needed its own army unit is now a national favorite. It was the mascot of the 1988 Seoul Olympics and shows up everywhere from folk paintings to sports teams. If you were born in a Year of the Tiger, find out what that means in our Korean zodiac tool.

FAQ

What were the chakho gapsa?

The chakho gapsa (착호갑사) were Joseon soldiers whose job was to hunt tigers and leopards that threatened people. The name first appears in 1416.

How did you get promoted as a tiger hunter in Joseon?

Catching two tigers let you skip the entrance test, and catching five or more tigers earned a promotion.

Were tigers really dangerous in Joseon Korea?

Yes. Tiger attacks (hohwan) were a recurring danger, and the royal records describe officials being sent out because tigers were killing people.

Sources

Written by the Korea in Time team. Each fact above is checked against the sources listed. Found a mistake? Tell us.

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