Busan Gijang County to Host 'Companion Animal Culture Festival'... A Venue for Communication Between Pet Owners and Non-Owners

Fostering a Mature Companion Animal Culture
Offering a Variety of Experience-Based Programs

Gijang County in Busan (County Governor Jung Jongbok) will host the '2025 Gijang Companion Animal Culture Festival' on June 7 at Jeonggwan Central Park and its surrounding area.

This event is organized by the Gijang County Companion Animal Association. It is designed to foster a healthy culture of living with companion animals and to create a space for communication where both pet owners and non-pet owners can come together.

A Gijang County official explained the purpose of the event, stating, "As the number of people raising companion animals has been rapidly increasing recently, there is a growing need for a festival that promotes a mature companion animal culture and raises awareness of coexistence."

The festival will feature experience-based programs, including a 'Walking Class' to teach proper etiquette for walking companion animals, a lecture by an expert on behavior correction, health and grooming experience sessions, a workshop for making dog collars, and a hands-on activity for making cat toys. In addition, there will be a quiz event and various prize giveaways for families attending the festival.

Notably, event competitions where companion animals and their owners can participate together include 'Daengsignbolt' (dog running), 'Agility Running' (obstacle course), and 'Petshionista' (a fashion show-style contest). To help attendees beat the heat, a mini swimming pool exclusively for companion animals will also be set up, providing a refreshing summer experience.

A Gijang County official stated, "Based on the success of the first festival last year, we have prepared an even more diverse and abundant program this year." The official added, "We hope this cultural festival, where not only pet owners but also non-pet owners can enjoy together, will serve as an opportunity to establish a culture of companion animals rooted in etiquette and responsibility."