Gimpo Airport Launches Korea's First 'Pet Dog Custody Service' at Domestic Airport

Korea Airports Corporation announced on the 1st that it has opened the "No. 1 Domestic Airport Pet Dog Center," the first "Pet Dog Boarding Service" at a domestic airport, located in the domestic terminal of Gimpo Airport.

Yoon Hyeong-jung, President of Korea Airports Corporation (left), donates pet food to the Seoul Stray Animal Adoption Center and poses for a commemorative photo with Kim Min-jin, the center director. Photo by Korea Airports Corporation

The Pet Dog Center, debuting at Gimpo Airport, is located on the east side of the 1st floor of the domestic terminal. It operates by providing boarding services in connection with a professional pet hotel.

To use the Gimpo Airport Pet Dog Center, pet owners must consult and make a reservation in advance before leaving their dogs at the center. The dogs are then transferred to the pet hotel, where they receive customized lodging and care services. Afterwards, the dogs return to the Pet Dog Center to greet their owners at the time they arrive at Gimpo Airport.

The pet hotel is located in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, about a 30-minute drive from Gimpo Airport. It is situated on a 4,000㎡ site and features 55 rooms, 6 indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a swimming pool, and other large-scale facilities. It also offers customized walking and exercise programs tailored to each dog.

At the opening ceremony of the Gimpo Airport Pet Dog Center held that day, Korea Airports Corporation President Yoon Hyung-jung, Seoul Abandoned Animal Adoption Center Director Kim Min-jin, and Premium Pet Hotel (Dokdok) CEO Kim Sung-kyu attended to celebrate the launch of the first pet dog boarding service at a domestic airport.

The opening event included various activities such as a pet food donation event by the Seoul Abandoned Animal Adoption Center, distribution of welcome goods (dog-exclusive cakes and health tonic sets) to first-time users, and giving souvenirs (waste bags and wet tissue packages) to passengers traveling with their dogs.

Yoon Hyung-jung, President of Korea Airports Corporation, said, "The introduction of the corporation’s pet dog boarding service is the first step toward becoming a pet-friendly airport. We will not only operate the Pet Dog Center but also gradually expand specialized airport services by newly creating a ‘Pet Rest Area’ where owners can relax and enjoy an open view with their dogs.”