By Jung Joo-ri and Lee Jihae
Seoul | Sept. 20, 2019

The rise in the number of dog owners has consequently led to the growth of pet-friendly cafes and related facilities and services.

A survey conducted last year by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency found that the number of households raising pets reached 5.11 million, or 23.7% of all households in the country. The number of dogs raised as pets was 5.07 million and that of cats 1.28 million.

The rise in dog ownership has fueled the emergence of venues catering to such canine companions. For example, a dog preschool trains dogs with behavioral issues, helps them develop social skills and solves problems in their interactions and lives with their owners. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., dogs undergo training in fundamental social skills as well as have free time and take walks.

As the number of single-person households increases in the country and thus forces more dogs to spend time alone when their owners are out, demand for such schools is on the rise.


Dog-friendly accommodations, also called "dog pensions" in Korea, are also emerging. The accommodation booking app Yeogi Eottae offers about 700 lodging venues where people can stay with their pets, 560 of which are dog pensions.

These pensions might not seem that different from regular ones at a brief glance but feature amenities such as a playground, a swimming pool or a shower room catering to dogs as well as specialized items such as dog toilets and excrement pads. The floors are designed to prevent dogs from slipping and have been optimized for them.

The country also has 31 "dog playgrounds" run by local governments equipped with safety fences, playgrounds and drinking fountains specifically for dogs. Such facilities are located within parks so that dogs and their owners can exercise or take walks in surrounding areas.

Five dog playgrounds are in Seoul such as at World Cup Park, Boramae Park and Children's Grand Park. The Busan municipal government is planning to open five dog parks by next year, with more slated for later.


In addition, certain water parks cater to dogs and dog-friendly restaurants not only allow canines to enter but also have menus specially for them.

"As the number of people raising dogs rises, more of them are trying to really bond with their pets," a source from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said.

"Given growing awareness of animal rights, the number of related services, amenities and relevant sectors is growing."

etoilejr@korea.kr