“Even Dogs Have Sports Day!”... Gwangjin-gu Hosts Meongtopia Sports Day

[Seoul District News] Gwangjin-gu to Host Festival for Pet Owners and Dogs at Children's Hall West Sports Ground on 22nd with Pro Dog Sports Competition, Meongtopia Sports Day, Various Experience Booths & Enjoy a Fun Weekend Running on Natural Grass to Strengthen Bonds Between Pet Owners and Dogs

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin District, is demonstrating discus throwing.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) held a pet festival, the ‘Meongtopia Sports Day,’ on the 22nd at the west playground of the Gwangjin-gu Yukyoung Foundation Children’s Center.

Co-hosted by Gwangjin-gu and Konkuk University Campus Town Project Group, and organized by the Korea Kennel Club and the City Without Stray Dogs, the ‘Meongtopia Sports Day’ was attended by Gwangjin-gu Mayor Kim Kyung-ho, members of the National Assembly, city and district council members, as well as many pet dogs and their owners, celebrating the festival.

Gwangjin-gu Mayor Kim Kyung-ho said, “While serving as the Welfare and Health Director of Seoul City, I established the Animal Protection Division in Seoul,” adding, “We will strive to revitalize the pet industry in Gwangjin-gu, where life is respected.” He further said, “I hope many pet owners and their pets build friendships and create good memories today.”

The ‘Meongtopia Sports Day,’ a compound word of ‘Meongmeongi’ (dog’s bark) and ‘Utopia,’ featured various programs that pet dogs and their owners could enjoy together, fitting the festival’s name.

First, the festival opened with the eye-catching ‘Dog Sports Competition,’ where spectators could watch impressive performances by professional dogs. In particular, Mayor Kim Kyung-ho attracted attention by personally demonstrating the ‘Frisbee Throwing’ event.

In the following ‘Meongtopia Sports Day’ events, pet dogs and their owners competed in activities such as ‘Obstacle Course Race’ and ‘Owner and Dog Running Race.’ The event was very popular, with nearly 500 participants registering online in advance. Additional participants registered on-site, increasing the number of attendees.

Besides these, fun programs like the ‘OX Challenge Golden Bell’ and ‘Pet Waste Cleanup Game’ were held. Alongside the festival, various experience booths such as ▲Caricature Drawing ▲Photo Zone and Photo Printing ▲Making Pet Name Tags, Aroma Deodorizers, Leashes, and Handmade Snacks ▲Free Pet Grooming ▲One-on-One Pet Health and Behavior Consultations received great responses from pet owners.

One participant in the ‘Meongtopia Sports Day’ said, “I was happy to spend Saturday afternoon running freely with my beloved dog,” adding, “I also made handmade snacks at the experience booth, and I hope my pet enjoys them.”

Gwangjin-gu has established various infrastructures for pets, including ▲Seoul’s first dog playground (Children’s Grand Park) ▲Asia’s largest dog swimming pool ‘Dog Bay’ (Children’s Grand Park) ▲Walking spaces along the Han River and Jungnangcheon Stream.

Mayor Kim Kyung-ho of Gwangjin-gu stated that he will continue to prepare various support policies for pet households in the future.