"We Can't Leave Our Daengdaengi Behind"... Infrastructure Fails to Keep Up with 'Petfamjok' Demand [Cheongchun Report]

'Petfamjok' Who Spare No Expense for Pets
Traveling with Pets Requires 3.6 Times More Spending
Concerns Raised Over Lack of Related Facilities

With the golden holiday extending for a full six days from the Chuseok holiday to National Foundation Day, many people are planning to travel with their pets. As a result, hotels and pensions that allow pets to stay have long been fully booked, and pet owners, unable to secure accommodations, are planning day trips with their pets instead.

As pet families (pet + family) emerge as major players in the travel market, some point out that there are still insufficient facilities that allow pets to accompany their owners despite the increase in pet-owning households.

One in Four Koreans Own Pets... Related Industries Also Growing

[Image source=Pixabay]

With a significant increase in pet-owning households, the 'pet economy (pet + economy)' market is also becoming more active. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, as of last year, there were 6.02 million pet-owning households, a 65.4% increase compared to 3.64 million households in 2012, ten years ago. This means that one in four Koreans (25.4%) owns a pet.

The combined number of pet dogs and cats also rose from 5.56 million to 7.99 million during the same period, an increase of 43.7%. Considering this figure only includes dogs and cats, the total number of pets is estimated to have increased even more.

Given this situation, demand is rising for travel destinations, restaurants, and accommodations that allow pets. Kim (29), an office worker who booked a dog-friendly pension in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, in early October, said, "I wanted to travel with my family, but I couldn't leave my dog at home, so I booked a place where we could all stay together." He added, "It was peak season, so I booked accommodation for the mid-300,000 won range, but it was an unavoidable choice."

He continued, "These days, the world is a bit dangerous, so I thought a pet sitter might not take proper care of my dog," adding, "Even if it costs a lot, what's important is that my dog is happy."

As more people are willing to spend on their pets, related industries are rapidly growing. According to last year's Korea Tourism Organization's 'Study on Activating Pet-Friendly Travel,' pet-friendly travel is estimated to have an economic ripple effect of about 1.396 trillion won annually. The average spending per person is 280,000 won, 3.6 times higher than that of general travelers, making it a high value-added product.

'Pet-Friendly Facilities' Still Insufficient, Critics Say

[Image source=Pixabay]

However, despite the increase in pet-owning households, there are still relatively few facilities that allow pets to accompany their owners. According to Naver's 'Places Dogs Can Go' page, the number of pet-friendly restaurants is ▲390 in Northeast Seoul ▲269 in Southeast Seoul ▲509 in Southwest Seoul ▲676 in Northwest Seoul ▲500 in Central Seoul.

Additionally, there are 379 pet-friendly campsites nationwide and 441 water-play accommodations across the country. 'Places Dogs Can Go' is a service by Naver that collects and publicly shares nationwide pet-friendly locations for dog owners.

Consequently, there are calls to expand infrastructure for pet-related facilities. Gu (29), an office worker who has raised a dog for two years, said, "Nowadays, you can find pet-friendly restaurants or cafes through apps, but when you actually go, many places prohibit dogs from entering," adding, "You have to call ahead before visiting, which is inconvenient."

He continued, "The number of dog-owning households is increasing, but related facilities are significantly lacking," and lamented, "Even when I go to a dog-friendly restaurant, other customers try to touch my dog without asking, which stresses me out."

Lee Won-bok, president of the Korea Animal Protection Association, said, "The domestic pet population has exceeded 15 million and is expected to continue increasing," adding, "As the pet market rapidly grows, Korea is currently in a transitional phase. Adequate infrastructure and convenience facilities for pet owners and their pets are not yet in place."

Lee added, "Since the number of pet-owning households will continue to rise, various living facilities appropriate to this trend must be guaranteed. Pet owners should observe etiquette to avoid inconveniencing others when accompanied by their pets, and non-pet owners need to show consideration and understanding toward pet owners. Mutual understanding will allow us to grow together."