Traveling with pets is popular in Korea

More and more families in South Korea are taking their pets on holiday trips, reflecting a change in how people view pets as family members.

Many pet owners in Korea are willing to travel with their pets - Photo: YONHAP

During the Chuseok (Korean Mid-Autumn Festival) holiday, Ms. Kwon, 35, planned an autumn camping trip in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, with her husband and 6-year-old dachshund named Malrang.

"Malrang is a member of the family, so of course she will come with us," she told the Korea Times . Malrang has visited 19 countries and has become a "professional traveler."

For Kwon, finding pet-friendly restaurants, cafes and accommodations is just as important as her sightseeing activities.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture , Food and Rural Affairs of South Korea, 28.6% of households in the country currently own pets, meaning one in four households live with a pet.

Instead of leaving pets with neighbors or hotels like before, more and more people choose to travel with them.

Lee, 28, who adopted a dog earlier this year, bought a travel package to Jeju Island that included discounts on pet-friendly attractions and restaurants.

"It's convenient because I don't have to go through the trouble of looking for each place," Lee said.

Catching on to this trend, Korean travel agencies have quickly launched “petcation” packages – vacations for pets – that include private sleeping quarters, specialized facilities and photography services. A 5-day, 3-night tour to Da Nang (Vietnam) for guests traveling with pets quickly filled up and had a waiting list.

Local authorities are also actively supporting this new trend. On October 11, Daejeon City will hold the "Dangdang Run" - a marathon for dogs. Participants will receive dog snacks and souvenirs, attracting people who want to create memories with their pets to travel here.

Ahn, 37, signed up with her two dogs, Misong and Arong. "I want to spend quality time with them during the long holiday," she said.

Since 2023, Taean County in South Chungcheong Province has been designated a "pet-friendly tourist city" and received 250 million won (about 180,000 USD) in support over four years.

Locals also designated October as “Taean Dog Month,” with a variety of pet-themed programs. The highlight is the “Mission Tour,” which offers up to 100,000 won (about $71) in cash back to groups that stay at least one night and participate in pet tourism activities.

Pets are like family

The boom in pet travel reflects changes in family structures and holiday habits in South Korea, experts say.

"Pets are no longer considered property but have become family members," said Professor Kim Jong Gi of Tongmyong University.

“Pet holidays have now become a central part of the family experience, leading to a growing pet industry that enhances the quality of life for both people and pets.”

HA DAO

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/du-lich-cung-thu-cung-len-ngoi-o-han-quoc-20251006120434808.htm