Imsil County, Okjeongho Bung-eo Island Ecological Park Now Allows Entry with Companion Dogs

Entry Restrictions for Medium and Large Dogs Over 10kg

Imsil County in North Jeolla Province will implement a pilot program allowing companion dogs to enter the Okjeongho Suspension Bridge and Bungeo Island Ecological Park from next month until April.

According to the county on the 20th, this initiative is being launched to open the most popular tourist destination, the Okjeongho Bungeo Island Ecological Park, to companion animals for the first time. This move is in response to the growing pet culture in Korea, where there are now 15 million pet owners.

Imsil County will conduct a pilot operation allowing pets to accompany visitors at Okjeongho Bungeo Island Ecological Park from March to April. Photo by Imsil County

Until now, animals such as dogs (except for service dogs for people with disabilities) and cats, which could affect the Bungeo Island ecosystem, were not allowed to enter. However, after the pilot operation, the county plans to allow pets to enter designated outdoor areas, excluding indoor spaces.

When accompanied by a companion dog, visitors must verify pet registration at the management office in accordance with the Animal Protection Act. To cross the suspension bridge, pets must be transported in a carrier or stroller, and owners must bring waste bags to clean up after their pets. After crossing the bridge, visitors can freely walk their leashed dogs in the Bungeo Island Ecological Park. However, for safety reasons, medium and large dogs over 10kg, designated dangerous breeds, and animals with diseases are restricted from entering.

During the pilot period, the county will closely monitor on-site conditions and actively listen to the opinions of visitors and pet owners regarding companion dog entry. Feedback and complaints collected during the pilot program will be used to improve management measures.

County Governor Shim Min said, “As the number of people raising pets increases and demand for traveling with pets grows, there is a greater need to create tourist attractions and develop content for companion animals. We will strive to make Imsil a destination where people can travel with their pets,” adding, “To this end, we will develop various pet-friendly contents utilizing major local tourist resources such as Osu Uigyeon Tourist Site and Okjeongho.”