Gyeongju to Fully Allow Pets in Restaurants and Cafes Starting in March

Targeting General Restaurants, Snack Bars, and Bakeries
Facility Standards and Administrative Action Guidelines Established
"Hygiene and Safety Management" Significantly Strengthened for Coexistence of Pet Owners and Non-Pet Owners

Going forward, it will be possible to dine with pets at regular restaurants and cafes in downtown Gyeongju.

On January 28, the Gyeongju city government announced that it will implement the “Pet-Friendly Food Service Establishment Entry System” starting March 1, in order to enhance citizens’ convenience and guarantee the right of choice for both pet owners and non-pet owners.

Joonak Young, Mayor of Gyeongju, is holding a pet dog and interacting with citizens at a pet event. On the right is Kwangho Park, Chairman of the Culture and City Committee of the Gyeongju City Council.

This measure applies to general restaurants, snack bars, and bakeries, and only dogs and cats will be allowed as accompanying pets.

Prior to implementing the system, the city has newly established facility standards and administrative action grounds that business operators must comply with.

Pet-friendly establishments must install a sign at the entrance indicating that pets are allowed. They must also set up partitions or fences to prevent pets from accessing food handling areas such as kitchens or food storage rooms.

Additionally, business operators must ensure that pets do not move freely throughout the premises and must provide dedicated chairs, cages, securing devices, or separate designated spaces for pets.

Furthermore, operators are required to check pets’ vaccination status and inform customers that unvaccinated pets will be restricted from entry.

To strengthen hygiene, tables must be spaced apart, and covers must be used to prevent animal hair or other foreign substances from contaminating food. Hygiene management standards have also been clearly defined.

If facility standards or compliance requirements are violated, administrative actions such as correction orders or business suspension may be imposed.

To prevent confusion in the early stages of implementation, the city will provide education and promotional activities for business owners and will conduct intensive inspections to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Joonak Young, Mayor of Gyeongju, stated, “As living with pets has become a part of daily life, this system is a proactive administrative response to changes in citizens’ lifestyles. Through strict hygiene and safety standards, we will create a dining environment where both pet owners and non-pet owners can feel safe and comfortable.”