YONGIN/SEOUL, Apr. 3 (Korea Bizwire) – In a touching display of affection, over 6,000 fans gathered at Everland Resort on the morning of April 3 to bid a heartfelt farewell to Fu Bao, the first giant panda born in South Korea, as she embarked on her journey to China.
Despite the early hour and the chilly, rainy weather, dedicated fans, some of whom had been waiting since 4 a.m., remained undeterred, eager to catch one last glimpse of the beloved panda.
Among them was Kim Yoon-jung from Seogwipo, Jeju, who expressed her deep affection for Fu Bao, stating, “I came from afar just to see Fu Bao off on her journey. She has been a treasure that brought us happiness, and I wish her all the best.”
Another fan, who had traveled from Gwangju, shared similar sentiments, “I set off early in the morning to be here. Fu Bao has brought so much joy to many, including myself, that I simply couldn’t miss her farewell.”
Fu Bao’s departure was marked by her transfer to the Wolong National Nature Reserve’s Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center in Sichuan Province, China, aboard a chartered flight from Incheon International Airport. The journey marked the end of her 1,354-day stay at Everland, where she was born and raised.
Everland, the nation’s largest amusement park located in Yongin, 42 kilometers southeast of Seoul, held a farewell ceremony where the female giant panda slowly passed fans while riding a vibration-free special vehicle used to transport semiconductors. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
The farewell event was particularly poignant when a letter from Kang Cheol-won, Fu Bao’s caretaker affectionately known as “Grandpa Fu Bao,” was read out loud. Despite recently losing his own mother, Kang had chosen to accompany Fu Bao to China.
His letter, filled with love and pride for Fu Bao’s growth and resilience, moved many to tears. “The day has come for Fu Bao, who has been a beacon of hope and joy since birth, to embark on a new chapter.
It’s incredible how she has matured into a fine adult panda, capable of handling all that lies ahead. You’ll always be my eternal baby panda, Fu Bao, and I am so thankful for the time we spent together,” he wrote.
As Kang read his letter, the emotion of parting with Fu Bao and his personal loss resonated deeply with the fans, many of whom could not hold back their tears. The crowd, while trying to contain their sobs, softly wished Fu Bao well, saying, “Fu Bao, take care, be happy,” and “We love you, Fu Bao.”
Everland meticulously planned Fu Bao’s transfer, ensuring her safety and comfort during the transition. A special vibration-free vehicle was used for her transportation, and extensive preparations were made to acclimate her to the travel cage.
As Kang read his letter, the emotion of parting with Fu Bao and his personal loss resonated deeply with the fans, many of whom could not hold back their tears. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Her journey was escorted by police, and Kang, along with a Chinese veterinary team, accompanied Fu Bao, monitoring her health throughout the flight, which was kept at a panda-friendly temperature of 18°C.
In a gesture of appreciation for the fans who braved the weather to attend the farewell, Everland provided free drinks at three of its food and beverage outlets until 10:30 a.m. The event attracted significant media attention, highlighting Fu Bao’s global popularity.
Fu Bao’s story is a remarkable one, from her birth on July 20, 2020, as the first naturally born giant panda in South Korea, to becoming a symbol of joy and resilience during the global pandemic. Her adorable antics, captured in videos that went viral, made her a household name and a source of happiness for millions worldwide.
Everland plans to continue sharing Fu Bao’s adventures in China through a partnership with CCTV, ensuring that her fans can stay connected with her new journey. Fu Bao’s departure is not just a farewell but a celebration of the joy and happiness she brought to so many during her 1,354 days in South Korea.
Some 6,000 fans have gathered around to catch the last glimpse of the giant panda, with some of them waiting from as early as 4 a.m., despite the rainy and cold weather. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
