Chuncheon-si Develops 'Pet-Friendly Specialized Areas' in Nam-myeon and Namsan-myeon

File photo [Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Reporter La Youngcheol] Chuncheon City, aspiring to become a mecca of the pet industry, is launching a project to create a pet-friendly specialized area.

Chuncheon City announced on the 23rd, "This year, we will invest 60 million KRW to select six rural lodging businesses located in Nam-myeon and Namsan-myeon, supporting improvements to pet-friendly facilities and the installation of new facilities."

They added, "The creation of this specialized area is a project aimed at resolving inconveniences faced by pet families during travel due to the increasing demand for pet-friendly tourism, and revitalizing the local commercial district based on the pet industry around Nam-myeon and Namsan-myeon."

Selected businesses must install convenience facilities such as fenced play areas, plant trees within playground sites, and provide play equipment and pet waste marking stations.

This year, a total of six locations will be selected, with support funds of 10 million KRW per location, including self-payment. Supported businesses must operate as pet-friendly lodging facilities for five years. Even if ownership changes during this period, the pet-friendly status must be maintained for five years.

However, businesses that have received or are scheduled to receive similar city support within the past three years, or those that have been subject to administrative sanctions such as business suspension within the past year as of the announcement date, are excluded from support.

The city plans to decide in March after reviewing applicants based on the feasibility of their business plans, budget appropriateness, and experience in operating pet-friendly businesses.

A city official stated, "As a mecca city of the pet industry, Chuncheon will develop the pet industry as a future industry, recognizing animals as family members living together with humans."