Opening of Songpa-gu 'Hahaha Olympic Pet Dog Water Playground'

On the 18th and 19th, Seoul's first dog splash park operated at Olympic Park Peace Plaza
Budget reduced by repurposing closed splash facilities... Features include extra-large pools, shower/drying facilities, and life jacket rentals
▲Small and medium dogs: 2-shift system from 10 AM to 3 PM ▲Large dogs: 3 PM to 5 PM... Swimming competition event on the 18th

To provide a getaway for pet dogs and their owners who have nowhere to go during the summer vacation season, Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok), which ranks second in the number of registered animals in Seoul, has stepped up.

Starting from the 18th, for two days, the district will operate the first-ever 'Pet Household Exclusive Water Playground' in a Seoul autonomous district for free at the Peace Plaza in Olympic Park.

Since it is difficult to bring pets along, many pet owners stay home instead of going on vacation. To allow them to enjoy a refreshing summer break with peace of mind, the district has prepared a leisure space exclusively for pet households. They extended the use of the popular 'Haha Hoho Olympic Water Playground' facility, which was operated for children until the 17th, significantly reducing additional budget and manpower.

The 'Haha Hoho Olympic Pet Dog Water Playground' features a large pool and a lazy river where up to 150 pet dogs can enter simultaneously with their owners. Basic rest facilities such as artificial turf mats, Mongolian tents, and changing rooms are provided, along with various convenience facilities including pet dog-exclusive shower booths and drying zones to ensure the dogs return home dry and comfortable.

Operating hours vary depending on the dog's height. Small and medium-sized dogs under 40cm in height can use the facility in two sessions: from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Large dogs can use it from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Owners must accompany their dogs and bring animal registration numbers and rabies vaccination certificates upon entry.

Anticipating large crowds, the district is fully committed to the safety of both dogs and owners. In addition to safety personnel, professional dog trainers will be stationed on-site to thoroughly prepare for any safety incidents. A medical room will be operated, and real-time CCTV monitoring will be conducted.

The number of entries is limited to 150 small and medium-sized dogs and 50 large dogs. By making a reservation in advance through a QR code, visitors can avoid waiting in line and gain priority entry, making it convenient. The event is so popular that over 100 people made reservations within five days of the QR code registration opening, and early closure is expected.

Meanwhile, as a unique event, the district has organized a 'Pet Dog Swimming Competition' by size at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM on the 18th. There are two categories: a swimming competition for owners and their pet dogs together, and a pet dog speed swimming competition. Participation is possible through QR pre-registration and on-site registration, and winners will receive prizes to add to the fun.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, said, "Following the baton from the children's water playground, we have prepared the first-ever water playground exclusively for pet households this year. We will continue to discover and promote creative animal welfare projects in line with the increasing number of pet owners." He added, "We will do our utmost to ensure safety management so that everyone can return home with only happy memories with their pet dogs, who are like family."