Alabai, the Turkmen National Dog Gifted to the Yoon Couple, Moves from the Official Residence to Seoul Grand Park

On the 10th, President Yoon Seok-yeol was seen walking and caring for Happy and Joy at his residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.

President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife’s two Alabai dogs, the national dogs of Turkmenistan, which they received as gifts during their Central Asia tour, have moved from the presidential residence to Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon.

The Presidential Office announced on the 11th that the Alabais, 'Happy' and 'Joy,' were relocated to their new home at Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon that afternoon.

Happy and Joy arrived in Korea in June of this year when they were about 40 days old and lived at the presidential residence with other pets.

The Alabai breed is characterized by a maximum weight of 90 to 100 kg and a height at the withers (measured from the paw pads to the shoulder when standing on all fours) of 70 to 80 cm.

Because of this, local experts advised that it is safer to separate them from other pets after six months of age, and when they become adults, an environment where they can roam freely should be provided to prevent their bones from weakening.

The Presidential Office explained, "Since Happy and Joy began their life in Seoul, we have been considering a plan to have them live at the presidential residence for a certain period and then provide separate accommodations at external facilities such as Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon."

Happy and Joy in the Seoul Grand Park enclosure on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News

Now seven months old, Happy and Joy have grown into large dogs, standing about 170 cm tall when raising their front paws and weighing over 40 kg.

The Presidential Office said, "Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon is close to the metropolitan area, making transportation convenient, and it is located in the beautiful natural environment of Cheonggyesan Mountain, providing a wide activity space where the Alabais can run and play. It is also an optimal space for them to develop social skills with other large dogs."

The Presidential Office reported that President Yoon and his wife gifted each dog a scarf and a large treat the day before as a wish for their good health in their new, larger home.

Happy and Joy were transported to Seoul Grand Park in a vibration-free vehicle dedicated to animal transport. After health checks and an adjustment period, they are expected to live together with 10 other dogs already raised at Seoul Grand Park, including Pungsan dogs, Jindo dogs, and Border Collies.