Pet-Friendly Accommodation (Rooms, Camping Sites, Car Camping) and Family Parks
Providing Pet Care During Travel to Famous Seorak Area Tourist Attractions
[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] "Companion dogs are like family members who live most closely with humans."
"You should frequently hug your companion dog, sleep together, and create many memories."
"There is a need for places where you can comfortably enjoy and walk with your companion dog without worrying about others' eyes, healing each other."
This is what Kim Hak-mook, CEO of Show Brothers Co., Ltd., who oversees the operation of the largest companion dog-exclusive resort in Korea, 'Life with dog,' said while emphasizing the need for leisure facilities for companion dog families.
Holding a Level 1 Pet Manager certification, he lives with his companion dogs 'Daebak' (Golden Retriever, 5 years old, male) and 'Samsik' (Beagle, 3 years old, male) and operates the resort & camping site 'Life with dog.'
'Life with dog' was remodeled and opened last September after exclusively winning the bid for the Inje Adventure Leisure Sports Training Center facility located in Wondae-ri, supported by Inje-gun.
On a 20,000-pyeong site, it offers companion dog-friendly accommodations (rooms, camping sites, car camping), a companion family park (about 1,000 pyeong), hoteling, kindergarten, gymnasium, and other facilities.
Various programs such as senior dog care, bathing, healthy snack sales, free check-ups, camping with dogs, agility competitions, and companion dog trekking competitions are operated year-round.
Also, it is designed to enjoy outdoor concerts (festivals) and picnics, aiming to operate as a vacation and healing spot for companion dog families, according to CEO Kim and Inje-gun's plans.
Especially, it is close to the birch forest, which attracts more than 400,000 tourists annually. Inje-gun is accelerating natural tourism projects such as additional birch forest creation and parking lot expansion construction.
CEO Kim is currently planning memory-making programs with companion dogs and giving lectures. In 2019, he also conducted a companion dog tour program at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival.
He said, "We provide a space where companion dog families can create happy memories throughout their companion dog's life, allowing them to relax and enjoy without worrying about others' eyes."
'Life with dog' has become known as a healing place for companion dog families exhausted and stressed by COVID-19 just two months after opening, with fierce weekly reservations for rooms and camping sites.
The following is a Q&A with CEO Kim Hak-mook.
- Why did you establish a companion animal-themed resort in Inje-gun?
"There is only one reason. While living happily and healing each other with Daebak and Samsik, I wanted to create a space for companion dogs where they can run freely, without worry, and make many healthy memories throughout their lives. I am currently fulfilling that plan step by step and keeping my promises."
- What are the differentiators and values pursued by 'Life with dog'?
"As far as I know, it is the first resort & camping space in Korea exclusively for companion dog families and their dogs. However, we politely decline visits from those who dislike or fear dogs. The most common complaint from companion dog families is that there are not many places to go with their dogs. Therefore, I pledge every day to make it a space where companion dog families and their dogs can play more joyfully and happily."
- What is the most important thing for a companion dog throughout its life?
"Companion dog families often regret not spending enough time with their dogs after they pass away. When I talk with people at companion dog festivals or visitors here, I tell them, 'Spend lots of time with your companion dog and make memories.' 'Dogs also think and cherish memories.' It is commonly said that when a dog dies, it crosses the 'Rainbow Bridge,' but dogs do not enter there; they wait for their owners in a lush green meadow, hoping to meet them."
- What are the problems with companion dog-related policies or systems?
"Veterinary costs for companion dogs are too expensive. There are many places lacking where you can go with your dog, such as hiking, traveling, and restaurants. There is also a lack of permission systems for raising companion dogs and insufficient companion dog accommodation facilities."
- Could you introduce the stories of Daebak and Samsik?
"After raising and losing Samsik, a Cocker Spaniel rescue dog, I was so saddened that I couldn't raise a dog for a while. When I met Daebak during the hardest time, he changed my life. Later, wanting to raise a Beagle, I brought Samsik, a surrendered dog. During that time, Daebak appeared in a broadcast documentary called 'Live Well Dog' showing our life together. Daebak is very smart and a famous so-called celebrity dog (laughs)."
- What are your future plans?
"Now that we have a space to be with companion dogs, I want to create enjoyable activities and food. We are planning a companion dog trekking (canicross) competition this winter. We will soon launch products using Inje's specialty, dried pollack. My life goal is to connect closed training centers and retreat centers in five cities nationwide with local governments to create spaces for companion dog families. As the name 'Life with dog' implies, I want to spend my life living with companion dogs. I cannot do this alone. I plan to implement the projects we have planned one by one together with surrounding companion dog families."
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