As pet ownership increases in Korea, a growing number of facilities, including restaurants, coffee shops, shopping malls and hotels, are becoming pet-friendly, allowing people to bring their animals.
However, many establishments still fail to clearly indicate their pet policies, causing confusion for both pet owners and those without pets.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the proportion of households with pets in Korea reached a record high of 28.2 percent last year, up from 23.7 percent in 2018.
“Pets are now considered family members, so pet owners, including myself, want more places that allow pets so we can enjoy our free time with them,” a university student surnamed Kim said.
The hotel and resort industries are also expanding their pet facilities and services to attract pet owners, offering specialized companion rooms equipped with pet beds, potty pads and tableware, as well as companion buffets and rental services for pet strollers.
However, the situation is quite confusing at restaurants and cafes.
Under the Food Sanitation Act, it is technically illegal for people to dine with their pets at restaurants and cafes and animals should stay in a separate area.
However, to accommodate the growing demand of pet owners, the government pursued deregulation efforts and adopted a two-year pilot program to allow pets in cafes and restaurants since December 2022.
The establishments that obtained approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to allow pets can register on the regulatory information portal, but only 22 have been registered so far.
Businesses not approved by the food ministry can permit pets by following specific guidelines, and the ministry recommends they clearly display signs indicating whether pets are allowed. But confusion persists as many restaurant owners fail to do so or the indications are vague, so conflicts continue between pet owners and non-pet owners.
A promotional image of Signiel Busan’s package service in which guests can stay with their pets / Courtesy of Lotte Hotels and Resorts
“As I am allergic to pet hair, it makes me very uncomfortable when pets are around. I wouldn’t visit certain restaurants if I knew it allowed pets,” said Jung, an office worker in his 50s.
Conversely, pet owners are also voicing their frustrations. One pet owner recently shared her experience online, complaining about being forced to eat outside in hot weather because a restaurant did not allow her dog inside, despite her seeing it indicated as a pet-friendly facility on the internet.
Some non-pet owners support the development of pet-friendly environments but emphasize the need for better pet control and hygiene.
“I am supportive of pet-friendly facilities, but it bothers me when pets create a mess. My mother is also often frightened when dogs wander around, as she is afraid of animals,” said Kim Soo-min, a frequent visitor to Starfield Hanam in Gyeonggi Province, a pet-friendly shopping complex.
Professor Kim Hyun-ju from the department of companion animal at Bucheon University noted that despite ongoing confusion, Korean society is gradually reaching a consensus on this issue.
“Given the current social trend toward pet companionship, it’s clear pets can’t be banned in facilities any longer. The key is finding a way to harmonize and adapt,” Kim said.
She stressed the importance of business owners clearly indicating their pet policies. Additionally, she suggested that confusion could be reduced if the government provided clear standards, such as requiring pets to wear leashes or allowing them only when in a cage.
