As the number of pet owners increases, parks open and festivals are held everywhere
There are 12.62 million pet owners and 5.52 million pet-owning households. In Seoul, 1.1 million households raise dogs or cats. Since the total number of households in Seoul is 4.1 million, this means that more than one in four households live with a pet dog or cat, with about a 7 to 3 ratio favoring dog-owning households (KB Management Research Institute 2023 Korea Pet Report, as of the end of 2022).
With many residents raising pets and 81.6% of pet owners considering their pets as family members, pet-related services are expanding in each district office of Seoul.
Nowon-gu, the first autonomous district to operate a dog care shelter
Nowon-gu, which has been operating a ‘Dog Care Shelter’ since Chuseok in 2018, will open the shelter again during the Chuseok holiday from September 28 to 30 this year. The shelter is set up in the large auditorium on the 2nd floor of Nowon-gu Office, where dogs stay in a hotel-like room equipped with cushions and mats during the care period. They can also enjoy playtime with various exercise equipment and toys in playgrounds separated by gender and size.
To ensure the safety of dogs staying at the shelter, pet sitters are assigned in teams of three in two shifts from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and night duty staff from the district office monitor the dogs’ condition overnight. In case of illness or injury, dogs are referred to a 24-hour animal hospital in the area to prevent serious accidents.
Applications are accepted on the Nowon-gu Office website until 6 p.m. on the 20th of this month, and the care fee for the three days of shelter operation is 5,000 KRW. Vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone, disabled persons, and recipients of basic livelihood security can also apply by phone.
However, the shelter is only available to Nowon-gu residents. Only small dogs weighing 8kg or less, born over six months ago, registered, vaccinated against rabies, and without socialization issues can use the shelter. Dogs with contagious diseases, pregnant or in heat are not eligible. It is recommended to bring the dog’s usual food, toys, and bedding to help them adapt to the unfamiliar environment.
Oh Seung-rok, mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “In a satisfaction survey conducted with 22 dog owners who used the care shelter during the last Lunar New Year holiday, all users expressed willingness to use it again, showing its popularity. We hope pet owners can visit their hometowns comfortably during the Chuseok holiday while their dogs are cared for at the district office and spend happy times with their families.”
‘Dongjak Dog Park’ spanning 5,900㎡ opens on the 12th
Dongjak-gu is opening the ‘Dongjak Dog Park’ for trial operation starting on the 12th. Located at 24-10 Noryangjin-dong, the dog park covers an area of 5,900㎡, making it the largest dog playground in Seoul, and it is centrally located for easy access.
Safety fences separate areas for medium/small dogs and large dogs. The park is equipped with dog play and training equipment (agility), benches, restrooms, and a management office. Operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with closures every Monday and on Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays.
Non-residents can also use the park free of charge. However, dogs must be registered, and guardians aged 13 or older must bring waste bags and leashes. Dogs with diseases or classified as dangerous breeds are restricted from entry.
The district plans to improve any issues or suggestions gathered during this temporary opening and aims for an official opening around mid-next month. Park Il-ha, mayor of Dongjak-gu, said, “Dongjak Dog Park will play a positive role in resolving social conflicts and accommodating the increasing number of pet-owning households. We hope Dongjak-gu becomes an environmentally friendly city where people and animals coexist.”
Animal Love Festivals at Iljasan Lawn Plaza and Tancheon Retention Basin
There are also places hosting pet festivals. Gangdong-gu will hold the ‘Gangdong Animal Love Festival’ at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday the 23rd at the Iljasan Natural Park lawn plaza in Dunchon-dong. Started in 2016, this festival is now recognized as one of Seoul’s representative animal festivals, marking its 6th year this year.
At this event, participants will walk a 1.2 km course with their pets, attend a talk concert on dog behavioral problems (hosted by Director Kang Seong-ho), and participate in a dog sports day featuring activities such as waste cleanup and walking races. There will also be a demonstration by Seoul 119 special rescue dogs, pet shopping, health, behavior, and grooming programs, and booths for community participation, offering a variety of attractions.
All proceeds from the festival (experience fees) will be fully donated to children in vulnerable groups. Registration is open until the 18th, and participants will receive pet sponsorship items and prizes. Applications can be made at the Gangdong-gu Abandoned Animal Adoption Center.
Songpa-gu will hold the ‘Songpa Pet Festival’ on the 16th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Tancheon Retention Basin Songpa Dog Playground. Last year, about 200 people participated, and this year the festival will feature food trucks selling coffee and snacks, as well as a camping zone with chairs and tables to create a relaxed picnic atmosphere with pets.
Experience events such as Dangdang Life Four-Cut Photos, Petiquette Adventure, dog styling, and behavior correction counseling will be held. On the stage set up at the venue, there will be a pet talent show called ‘Wait Champion Contest,’ a quiz competition on pet etiquette and dog knowledge called ‘Challenge! Dangdang Golden Bell,’ and a ‘Mini Dangdang Sports Day’ where participants can run and play together with their dogs.
On the day of the event, the ‘Dog Playground’ will operate by dividing entry times for medium/small dogs and large dogs based on a height of 40cm for safety. However, dogs must be registered and vaccinated against rabies to enter.
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