White-tailed eagles are large raptors which, while widely distributed throughout Eurasia, are rarely observed on the Korean peninsula, usually as winter migratory birds.

They are classified as an endangered species in South Korea. The birds gets its name from the distinctive white feathers that comprise its tail.

It lives mainly near open waters in coastal areas, rivers, estuaries and lakes. Sightings are possible throughout the peninsula, but it is most frequently observed near the Han River, the Nakdong River Estuary, and on Jeju Island. Rare breeding pairs reside on the islands off the west coast and many of the individuals observed in Korea are juveniles.