96 Billion Won Invested... Space Created for Both Pet Owners and Non-Owners to Enjoy Together
Animal Care Center, Pet Adoption Center, Pet Playground & Cafe
Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province is pushing forward with a pet cultural park project, investing a total of 9.6 billion KRW (on a site of 22,898 square meters) in the Gubong-ri area of Okseong-myeon by 2025.
The city is making every effort to transform itself into a new mecca for companion animals by creating a comprehensive cultural space where both pet owners and non-pet owners can enjoy together.
▲ New Animal Protection Center ‘Animal Care Center’ Opens
The ‘Animal Care Center’ is being constructed with an investment of 3.6 billion KRW, with construction starting in October 2023 and aiming to open in January 2025. This new animal protection center will be operated to enhance animal welfare in the region and provide better life opportunities for animals.
The center prioritizes the safety and welfare of animals, protecting stray animals and those in need of temporary shelter in a safe environment. It is expected to serve as a solution to animal-related issues in the local community, providing a comfortable environment for all animals.
▲ A New Opportunity for Love and Protection: ‘Companion Animal Adoption Center’
The city was selected for a Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs public contest project in July 2023 and will invest 1 billion KRW to build the ‘Companion Animal Adoption Center’. Preliminary procedures, including detailed design, are planned to be completed by July this year, with construction starting in January next year and completion aimed for July.
This center is expected to provide new homes for abandoned animals, saving their lives, and to raise awareness among people about the value and dignity of animals, helping more stray animals find happy families.
▲ Special Time with Pets: ‘Pet Playground & Cafe’ Opens
A new comprehensive pet cultural space, the ‘Pet Playground & Cafe’, will also be created for both pet owners and non-pet owners who wish to spend special time with companion animals.
The city will invest 5 billion KRW, complete preliminary procedures such as detailed design by November, start construction in May 2025, and aims to open in December.
For pets, the indoor area will be equipped with play equipment, a swimming pool, and toys, while the outdoor area will feature a spacious lawn, obstacle courses, and walking trails to provide active play opportunities.
Inside the cafe, spaces for pet owners and non-pet owners will be separated, and healthy snacks and beverages such as Meongpuccino and Meongbuldeopbap, which can be enjoyed with pets, will be available. Pet owners can enjoy delicious coffee or tea with friends while taking in views of the Nakdong River and having pleasant conversations.
In collaboration with the Department of Pet Care at Gumi University, pet experience and educational programs will be offered, and various cultural events will be held regularly, allowing pet owners and their animals to have enjoyable times together.
Mayor Kim Jangho said, “By creating a comprehensive pet cultural space, we will provide various benefits to pets, owners, non-pet owners, and the local community, enriching and energizing our lives in the future. We aim to take pet culture to the next level, become a true animal welfare city, and emerge as a new mecca for companion animals.”
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