Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Korean pet owners suffer profound grief over dead companions. But does society recognize their loss?

As the number of pet owners in Korea surpasses 15.4 million, more people are grappling with the profound grief of losing family-member like pets. The shift is driven by a “pet-fam” culture where animals are viewed as primary family members.

2026-04-28

Korea's new pet-friendly restaurant regulations confuse business owners, customers

Just three weeks after Korea introduced a pet-friendly restaurant system allowing dogs and cats into eateries and cafes, both business owners and customers are expressing confusion over the new regulations.

2026-03-20

Four-year prison term finalized for pet owner who kept dogs off leash, leading to multiple attacks

A dog owner who failed to keep two aggressive dogs on leashes, leading to multiple dog-bite incidents, was sentenced to four years in prison. The ruling was finalized by the Supreme Court on Dec. 24 last year, according to legal sources on Tuesday.

2026-02-10

Pet owners call for apartment complex to stop using deicing salt over animal health concerns

Pet owners at an apartment complex have sparked controversy by requesting not to use of deicing salt, or calcium chloride, on walking trails inside the complex, citing concerns over their dogs’ health.

2026-01-14

Dogs, cats to be allowed in restaurants under revised hygiene and safety regulations

Starting in March, dining out with a pet in Korea will get easier — though store and pet owners will still need to follow certain rules.

2026-01-07

Paws on tour

Participants enjoy time with their dogs during the “Imsil Pet Tour,” held at the Cheese Theme Park and Osu’s Loyal Dog Tourist Site in Imsil County, North Jeolla, on Oct. 31. [IMSIL COUNTY]

2025-10-31

Would you call that a hanbark?

Dogs dressed in traditional Korean hanbok strut down the runway at the “Puppy Hanbok Fashion Show” held at Mapo Pet Camping Ground on Sept. 28

2025-09-28

KBS 2TV's 'Dogs are Incredible' returns with new co-host and training format

KBS 2TV's pet-training variety show "Dogs are Incredible" will return for a second season on Oct. 9, with comedian Lee Kyung-kyu returning as co-host and singer Youngtak joining as a new face.

2025-09-18

Dogs to showcase hanbok at Chuseok fashion show event

Dogs in hanbok (traditional Korean dress) will do a catwalk at a Chuseok fashion show in Seoul’s Mapo District on Sept. 28.

2025-09-15

Over 100 dogs diagnosed with brucellosis at breeding farm: Ministry

More than 100 dogs have been diagnosed with brucellosis, a bacterial infection that can affect both animals and humans, at a breeding farm in Incheon, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

2025-08-14