Seodaemun-gu Launches Pet Owner Community 'Naepumae (愛) Friends'

Promoting Pet Owner Socializing, Volunteering, and Petiquette Culture Development

Seongheon Lee, Mayor of Seodaemun-gu (center front row), is taking an activity oath with the regional leaders at the launch ceremony of Seodaemun-gu pet owner community 'Naepumae (愛) Friends'. Provided by Seodaemun-gu.

Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (Mayor Lee Seongheon) announced on the 25th that ‘Naepumae (愛) Friends,’ a community of residents sharing a common interest in companion animals, recently held its launching ceremony at the lawn field of Seodaemun Culture and Sports Center and officially started.

‘Seodaemun Naepumae (愛) Friends’ aims to promote friendship, volunteer work, and the establishment of proper pet etiquette culture among pet owners in five districts within the area. Members participate in activities such as walking training for pets, open house events at the Seodaemun Naepumae (愛) Center, pet etiquette campaigns, volunteer activities, and flea markets.

Participants at the launching ceremony watched performances of dogs fetching frisbees and obstacle running (agility), and also had the opportunity to experience these activities firsthand with their own pets.

On the day, booths for pet grooming, health consultations, behavior counseling, and toy making were also operated, attracting great popularity. Membership for ‘Seodaemun Naepumae (愛) Friends’ is open year-round, and applications can be submitted to the Companion Animal Support Division of Seodaemun-gu Office.

Mayor Lee Seongheon said, “We look forward to the participation of many residents interested in spreading a mature culture of companion animal care.”

Meanwhile, in April this year, Seodaemun-gu opened the ‘Seodaemun Naepumae (愛) Center,’ equipped with facilities such as a shelter for abandoned dogs, consultation rooms, playrooms, bathing and grooming rooms, experiential education halls, and outdoor playgrounds. This center provides services including protection and adoption counseling for abandoned animals, adoption management, companion animal-related education, animal culture classes, and animal-assisted therapy programs.