Spiders in South Korea

Spiders are found all over South Korea, from the busy cities to quiet countryside. These eight-legged creatures come in many sizes and colors. Some build webs in corners or between trees, while others hide under rocks or in the grass. Most spiders in Korea are not dangerous to people and play an important role in nature by eating insects. In this article, we will take a closer look at the kinds of spiders you might see in South Korea, including which ones are common and if there are any you should be careful around.

Spiders in South Korea Identification Chart

Table Of Content hide

Common Spiders in South Korea

Biggest Spiders in South Korea

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiers

Common Spiders in South Korea

Black and White Spiny Spider (Gasteracantha kuhli)	Pointillist Neoscona (Neoscona punctigera)	Bird-dropping Spider (Celaenia excavate)
Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)	Triangle Crab Spider (Ebrechtella tricuspidata)	Wasp Spiders

Biggest Spiders in South Korea

Joro Spiders (Trichonephila clavata)

Golden Silk Orb Weaver (Trichonephila clavipes)

Radiated Wolf Spider (Hogna radiata)

Most Venomous Spiders

Sicariidae

Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa) - The brown recluse spider is a special spider found mostly in the central and southern parts of the U.S. It's part of a small group of spiders in North America known for having strong venom, along with the Chilean recluse and black widow.… Continue Reading >

Funnel Web Spiders

Northern Tree Funnel-web (Hadronyche formidabilis) - The Northern Tree Funnel-web spider is native to Australia and is part of the mygalomorph spider group. Known for its high venom level, it's considered one of the world's deadliest spiders.… Continue Reading >

Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

Widow (Latrodectus) - Meet the Latrodectus spiders, often known as true widows! They're part of the cobweb spider family. By July 2017, there were 31 types of them, living everywhere except Antarctica.… Continue Reading >

Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus) - The Brown Widow Spider is a cool spider that belongs to the cobweb spiders family. Some people know more about its cousin, the Black Widow, but the Brown Widow has its own interesting story.… Continue Reading >

Less Venomous Spiers

Orb Weavers

Jorō (Trichonephila clavata) - The Joro spider is a big, colorful spider that originally came from places like Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. But guess what? Scientists found them in North America in 2015!… Continue Reading >

Golden Silk Orb-Weaver (Nephila) - Have you ever seen a spider's web that shines like gold? Meet the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver! With 23 different types living around the world, they're known for their special golden webs.… Continue Reading >

Wolf Spiders

Hogna radiata - The Hogna radiata is a big spider that's part of the wolf spider family. If you're looking at spiders in Italy, this one's hard to miss because of how big it is and its cool looks.… Continue Reading >

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any venomous spiders in South Korea to be aware of?

Yes, South Korea is home to several venomous spiders, including species from the Sicariidae family, funnel-web spiders, and various cobweb spiders. While most spiders are harmless, bites from these specific types can be medically significant. It is best to avoid handling unidentified spiders and seek professional medical advice if bitten.

What is the largest spider species found in South Korea?

The Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) is one of the largest spider species found in South Korea. This species is a type of golden silk orb-weaver, recognized for its vibrant yellow and blue-green coloring and massive, strong webs. Females are considerably larger than males, with impressive leg spans.

What are the most common spiders found inside South Korean homes?

The most common spider found in South Korean homes is the Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum). This species is known for building tangled, messy webs in corners, basements, and other undisturbed areas. They are generally harmless to humans and help control indoor insect populations by trapping them in their webs.

How can you identify a Joro spider in South Korea?

You can identify a female Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) by its distinct appearance and large web. The spider has a bright yellow body with blue-green stripes and long black legs with yellow bands. They build enormous, three-dimensional orb webs that have a characteristic golden sheen in the sunlight.

Is the Radiated Wolf Spider in South Korea dangerous to humans?

The Radiated Wolf Spider (Hogna radiata) is not considered dangerous to humans. Although it is a large spider and may appear intimidating, its venom is not medically significant for people. A bite might cause minor, localized pain and swelling, but they are not aggressive and prefer to flee.

Why is the Bird-dropping Spider in South Korea named that way?

The Bird-dropping Spider (Celaenia excavata) is named for its remarkable camouflage that perfectly mimics bird droppings. This effective mimicry serves as a defense mechanism, deterring predators like birds from eating it. Its lumpy, white and black body allows it to rest exposed on leaves during the day.

Does South Korea have dangerous funnel-web spiders?

Yes, funnel-web spiders are found in South Korea, and some local species can be medically significant. While not the same as the highly venomous Australian funnel-web, a bite should still be treated with caution. If you suspect a bite from any funnel-web spider, it is crucial to seek professional medical attention.

Spiders in South Korea

Common Spiders in South Korea

Biggest Spiders in South Korea