Seoul subway uses bald eagle images to scare off pigeons

A photo of a bald eagle posted on the entrance to a Hapjeong subway station in Seoul. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Photos of bald eagles posted on the entrances to Hapjeong subway station in Seoul have gained attention from commuters.

Some commuters who shared photos of the bald eagles on social media have questioned whether the pictures were part of an advertising campaign.

Seoul Metro, the subway operator, on Monday said that the pictures were strategically placed to prevent pigeons from entering the subway station.

The recent drop in temperatures is believed to be a factor driving birds, especially pigeons, into the subway station.

Hapjeong station, in particular, faces a higher influx of pigeons as a plaza is located next to the subway entrance.

Despite the intent behind using images of bald eagles, experts are skeptical about their effectiveness.

Not only are there no bald eagles naturally found in the country, but pigeons are also known to be savvy enough to recognize that the images pose no actual threat.

BY LEE HO-JEONG [lee.hojeong@joongang.co.kr]