Busan Station's Famous Parrot Taxi: How Jangmi and Nero, Companions for 8 Years, Changed the Driver's Life

Near Busan Station, a special taxi that greets passengers along with parrots is drawing attention. According to a video from KBS Animal TV : Animal for You animal4u, this taxi, known as a local specialty of Busan, carries parrots 'Jangmi' and 'Nero', who greet passengers and provide joy.

An 8-year companionship with parrots, changing the life of a timid driver

The taxi driver stated that his raising of parrots, which he started by chance to fill the void left by his grown children, has continued for eight years. Although he started simply to soothe his loneliness, the parrots have brought significant changes to his life. The driver said, "I used to have an introverted personality and didn't talk much, but because of the children (the parrots), I have come to talk with many people frequently," noting that thanks to Jangmi and Nero, his timid personality has improved and he has regained vitality in his life.

In fact, passengers riding the taxi enjoy the parrots' antics and communicate naturally with the driver. Passengers, who usually only look at their smartphones while traveling, agreed that the time inside the taxi becomes a special experience as they strike up conversations in response to the parrots' "Hello" greetings. The parrot Jangmi even shows off dazzling dance skills, such as waving to the music, while Nero makes a presence with a loud voice, drawing cheers from passengers. Unlike Jangmi, Nero is good at speaking but occasionally quarrels with Jangmi, showing different charms.

Passengers who ride once often fall for the charm of the parrots and become regulars who visit again. The driver explained that the parrots are clever enough to even answer the phone. The sight of them answering the phone saying, "Hello, I'll be there soon," causes astonishment among passengers. Thanks to the popularity of Jangmi and Nero, laughter always blooms inside the taxi.

Family that shares meal times, a large-scale bird playground made by hand

To the driver, the parrots are more than just pets; they are beings no different from family. Even during meal times, Jangmi always stays by the driver's side. The driver does not spare meticulous care, such as preparing spinach for Jangmi first when he eats. They show a deep bond, to the extent that the driver eats the leftovers of yogurt after Jangmi has tasted it first. Jangmi also shows loyalty by sitting on the driver's shoulder, and the driver said he feels a surge of endorphins while looking at Jangmi and Nero.

In the yard of the driver's house, a large-scale playground he built himself for the parrots is prepared. Made using grills and iron plates, this playground is structured with all passages connected so that the parrots can move freely. In addition to Jangmi and Nero, about 30 different kinds of birds stay here. The driver explained that he designed the passages so the birds can move freely, and thanks to this, the pet birds can live healthily without needing medical treatment.

In the playground, various types of birds gather, including Gouldian finches, society finches, budgies, and even pigeons, in addition to Jangmi and Nero. In particular, the homes of Jangmi and Nero are located indoors to ensure they are protected from the cold. The indoor house is also connected to the outdoor playground passages, allowing the birds to come and go freely as needed.

Continuing a happy daily life while feeding about 30 birds

The driver puts his heart into meticulously taking care of the food for more than 30 birds every day. Despite the fact that caring for many birds is not easy, the driver expressed his determination, saying, "Because I am happy raising them, I will raise them until the end." Considering his age and the cost of bird food, the driver is continuing his work slowly after finishing only his morning routine.

The time spent returning home after the morning routine to interact with the birds is the most precious part of the driver's daily life. Watching the more than 30 birds waiting for food, the driver puts his heart into it every day. Operating the taxi with the parrots provides small joys to those passing through Busan Station and serves as a great strength that sustains the driver himself. This taxi, where the parrots' antics and the driver's warm heart harmonize, has established itself as a unique scene of Busan.