Seoul Districts' Boom in 'Companion Dog Accompaniment Project'

Creating a Shelter for 15 Million Pet Owners and Their Companion Dogs, Operating Dog Shelters During Holidays Like Chuseok, and Hosting Festivals in Succession

In the era of 15 million pet owners, companion dogs are now truly considered family members.

Reflecting this trend, Seoul’s autonomous districts are increasing their efforts to accompany companion dogs, such as creating dog rest areas and hosting festivals where owners and dogs can enjoy together.

The first operation of a companion dog rest area in Seoul’s autonomous districts began in Nowon-gu. When Oh Seung-rok took office as district mayor during the 7th local election, the district operated a pet dog rest area at the district office to accommodate residents returning to their hometowns during the Chuseok and Lunar New Year holidays.

Since then, this kind of consideration for companion dogs has spread to other districts such as Seocho-gu. Recently, a festival where pet owners and their companion animals can enjoy together attracted attention.

Dongjak-gu (Mayor Park Il-ha) has created Seoul’s largest urban “Dongjak Companion Dog Park” and began a pilot operation from the 12th. Dongjak Companion Dog Park (around 24-10 Noryangjin-dong) covers about 5,900㎡, making it the largest dog playground in Seoul, and is centrally located for easy access.

Safety fences separate spaces for medium/small dogs and large dogs, and facilities include agility equipment for dog play and training, benches, restrooms, and a management building. Operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the park is closed every Monday as well as on Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays. Use is free and open to any dog owner with a registered companion dog, regardless of district residency. However, a guardian aged 13 or older must accompany the dog, bringing waste bags and a leash. Dogs with diseases or classified as dangerous breeds are restricted from entry.

The district plans to officially open the park around mid-October after monitoring and addressing any issues during the temporary opening. During the pilot period, surveys will be conducted among users, and customized programs such as expert lectures in the animal field will be offered. After the official opening, a “Companion Dog Cultural Festival” will be held, featuring talk concerts, sports competitions, and educational programs that both dogs and owners can enjoy. Mayor Park Il-ha of Dongjak-gu said, “Dongjak Companion Dog Park will play a positive role in resolving social conflicts arising from the increasing number of pet-owning households,” adding, “Furthermore, we hope Dongjak-gu will become an environmentally friendly city where people and animals coexist.”

Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Kyung-gi) held a festival this year for the first time where pet owners, non-pet owners, and companion animals can all enjoy together. On the 16th, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., the district hosted the “2023 Jungnang Together (Happy with Animals) Cultural Concert” at the circular plaza of Yongma Waterfall Park in Jungnang-gu. The first part featured various experiential programs such as ▲Pet Health and Behavior Counseling ▲Pet Tarot ▲Abandoned Animal Adoption Counseling ▲Caricature Drawing ▲Cooking Class (Making Handmade Snacks) ▲Upcycling Flea Market ▲Photo Studio, allowing participants to create happy memories with their pets. The second part offered an orchestra music performance. Under the baton of conductor Joo Chan-yong, the 40-member Dolce Philharmonic Orchestra performed movie theme songs and classical music themed around “animals.” Attendees could enjoy a variety of famous pieces from The Lion King, Aladdin, Cats, Pirates of the Caribbean OSTs, and more. To allow pets to enjoy the performance together, 400 seats including personal mat seats, bean bags, and general seats were provided. Mayor Ryu Kyung-gi of Jungnang-gu said, “As the number of pet owners increases and interest in animal welfare grows, this event was planned to establish a mature companion culture in daily life,” adding, “We ask for much interest in the first-ever ‘2023 Jungnang Together Cultural Concert’ and will continue to strive to promote various animal welfare projects that many residents can enjoy together.”

Chuseok Pet Dog Shelter Established at Nowon District Office in 2019

Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) held a lecture titled “Wise Companion Life with Veterinarian Seol Chae-hyun” on the 20th at 3 p.m. in the large auditorium on the 2nd floor of Nowon District Office.

Veterinarian Seol Chae-hyun, a well-known companion animal behavior expert who has appeared on programs such as “There Are No Bad Dogs in the World,” “Dogs and Cats That Need Communication,” and “TV Animal Report,” gave a lecture titled “Not Pets but Companion Dogs, the Meaning of a New Family.” Through a Q&A session, she received great responses from about 200 attending residents.