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In early April, all eyes in Daejeon landed on a single runaway wolf. A male named Neukgu tunneled under the fence at Daejeon O-World Safari and slipped out.
After a 10-day, citywide search, Neukgu was safely captured alive—prompting relieved sighs and cheers across Daejeon. His dramatic homecoming even reshaped the city’s must-visit bakery trail.
Neukgu’s Escape: From Crisis to Daejeon’s Victory Fairy
Born in 2024, Neukgu is a lively two-year-old wolf who got his affectionate name as the ninth pup in his litter. On April 8, apparently following instinct, he dug beneath the safari fence and wandered the Bomunsan area. He even swallowed a fishing hook during the escape, which alarmed many, but by April 17 he was safely captured near O-World and returned home.
Curiously, both of Daejeon’s hometown teams—the Hanwha Eagles and Daejeon Hana Citizen—won their games right after Neukgu’s return. Locals quickly dubbed him Daejeon’s \”victory fairy,\” crediting him with a streak of good luck. That surge of affection spilled into the local scene and economy, culminating in a new treat: Neukgu Bread.
The Birth of Neukgu Bread
Harehare, counted among Daejeon’s top three bakeries, welcomed Neukgu’s safe return with particular enthusiasm. A planned collaboration with O-World nearly fell apart when he escaped, so Harehare jumped into action and launched Neukgu Bread as soon as he was back.
The bun is a playful homage to Neukgu’s looks. Bakers shape a round roll with pointed wolf ears and a tiny snout, then sketch his mischievous expression with a chocolate pen. The inside is filled with sweet chocolate cream—turning a fearsome wolf image into something delightfully cute.
Demand was immediate: within two days the morning supply was sold out, and the bun has already become a must-stop for visitors to Daejeon.
A New Local Icon Born from Community Pride
The Neukgu Bread craze is more than a trend. It channels the warmth and care residents showed during those tense ten days, and in a city that takes its baked goods seriously, it struck a deep chord. Harehare says the product was created to comfort Neukgu after his ordeal and to thank the citizens who hoped for his safe return.
This fan-driven consumer culture is a strong example of local collaboration. It gives travelers an attraction beyond Seongsimdang and renews interest in the local zoo. Many visitors and residents say Neukgu has made Daejeon feel livelier than ever.
Planning a Daejeon weekend? Try the Neukgu route. Start at Daejeon O-World to see the real Neukgu—now recovered and resting after being fed beef and chicken—then head to Harehare’s Doan branch to sample Neukgu Bread and cap off your visit. Note: production is limited each day, so arriving early is a must.
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