South Korea – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues

What are the general attitudes toward pets and animals in South Korea?

The number of households keeping animals in South Korea has climbed considerably in recent years. Dogs are by far the most common choice, present in 75.3% of pet-owning homes, followed by cats and then goldfish. A government survey conducted in 2025 found that 29.2% of all households kept at least one animal — up from roughly one in four just a few years prior. This places South Korea broadly on par with pet ownership rates in countries such as Germany and France, a level it has reached with remarkable speed.

In South Korea, the phrase “companion animal” is the preferred term rather than “pet.” To many Koreans, the word “pet” carries connotations of toys or playthings, while “companion animal” conveys the idea of shared emotional bonds and cohabitation. This is more than a matter of vocabulary — it reflects a genuine and deepening cultural movement toward treating animals as meaningful household members rather than objects.

Younger South Koreans in particular regard their animals as beloved companions. In cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, pet cafes, pet-welcoming restaurants, and dedicated grooming salons have multiplied at a striking rate. South Korea’s pet food market alone was valued at approximately $1.5 billion in 2023, with projections pointing to around $2.1 billion by 2028, while the broader pet services sector is expected to grow at double-digit annual rates through 2030.

That said, attitudes are far from uniform across the country. Rural communities tend to hold more traditional views, and among older generations, a more practical outlook toward animals — especially working or farm dogs — remains prevalent. The gap between urban and rural norms can be substantial, and expats settling outside the major cities may encounter different expectations around how animals are treated and how pets should behave in shared spaces. While pet keeping has grown rapidly, so too have complaints about irresponsible ownership; the latest government survey found that fewer than half of respondents believed dog owners were consistently following basic rules such as keeping animals on leads and cleaning up after them.

What laws and regulations govern pet ownership in South Korea?

Under South Korea’s Animal Protection Act, all owners of indoor companion dogs over two months of age are legally required to register their animals. Whenever ownership of a dog changes hands, the registration record must be updated to reflect the new owner’s details. Registration is ordinarily handled through your local district (gu) office or municipal government office, and entails microchipping your animal and linking the chip number to a national government database.

In cities such as Seoul, registration is compulsory and non-compliance can attract fines. Since South Korea’s regulations are subject to regular revision, and local authorities may interpret and apply rules differently across different parts of the country, it is worth checking current requirements with your local government to make sure you remain in compliance over time. The official body to consult is the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA).

Anyone wishing to keep a dog classified as dangerous must first obtain formal permission from the relevant Metropolitan City Mayor or Provincial Governor. This requires meeting conditions including registration of the animal, holding liability insurance, and having the dog neutered. Whether permission is granted will depend on an assessment of the individual dog’s level of aggressiveness.

Breeds designated as dangerous include the Japanese Mastiff (Tosa), American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and crossbreeds of these. Furthermore, if a dog not on this list causes injury to a person or another animal, the local Metropolitan City Mayor or Provincial Governor may order an aggressiveness evaluation. If the dog is found to be dangerous as a result of this assessment, the owner must then obtain formal permission from the local authority. Note that there is no outright ban on importing these breeds, but domestic ownership requires official permitting as of 2024.

Many apartment buildings in South Korea prohibit pets altogether or impose restrictions on size and breed. Check the building’s rules carefully before signing a tenancy agreement, as some landlords may also require a pet deposit. In contrast to several European countries where tenants enjoy broadly protected rights to keep pets, South Korean law gives landlords considerable discretion in setting pet-related conditions in rental agreements. Always obtain written confirmation of any permission to keep a pet before moving in.

For up-to-date information on registration fees and fine thresholds — which are determined by municipal ordinance and may change — contact your local district office directly or consult MAFRA. The MAFRA website includes an English-language section covering the Animal Protection Act.

Are there animal welfare laws in South Korea, and how are they enforced?

The cornerstone of South Korea’s animal welfare framework is the Animal Protection Act, which was first enacted in 1991. The legislation sets out to “promote the lives, safety, and welfare of animals,” while prohibiting cruelty and establishing standards for appropriate animal management. A significant revision in 2007 toughened penalties for animal abuse, introduced clearer definitions covering animal care and cruelty, and brought in new measures to strengthen the responsibilities of pet owners, improve the treatment of animals in retail settings, and tackle the problem of abandonment.

The Animal Protection Act defines animals subject to its protections as beings with “developed nervous systems through which they could feel pain,” encompassing mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Anti-cruelty provisions specifically apply to vertebrates including cattle, horses, pigs, dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, deer, foxes, and mink, though fish, crustaceans, and other animals commonly used by humans are excluded from certain protections.

Under Article 39 of the Act, officials are empowered to conduct inspections. Violations of the anti-cruelty provisions can result in imprisonment with labour for up to one year or a fine of up to ten million won. Under the 2024 dog meat ban legislation, anyone who slaughters a dog for consumption faces up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine not exceeding 30 million won; anyone who breeds dogs for food or distributes or sells food containing dog parts faces up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine not exceeding 20 million won (as of 2024).

In practice, enforcement continues to face challenges. There are acknowledged gaps in enforcement mechanisms for certain duty-of-care provisions and rules governing transport and slaughter. However, public support for stronger animal protection has grown considerably over the past decade, and the South Korean government has progressively strengthened its legislation in response. Compared to countries such as the Netherlands or Germany — where enforcement agencies are well-resourced and prosecutions relatively routine — South Korea’s enforcement capacity is still maturing, though it continues to improve year on year.

The responsible government body is MAFRA. The current text of the Animal Protection Act in English is available through the Korea Legislation Research Institute (KLRI) database.

What animal welfare charities and rescue organisations operate in South Korea?

South Korea hosts a growing community of animal welfare organisations, spanning major international bodies with local offices through to grassroots community groups. For expats interested in adopting a rescue animal rather than purchasing from a breeder, these organisations are often an excellent starting point.

The most prominent international organisation active in South Korea is Humane Society International, whose Korean office operates as HSI/Korea. HSI/Korea is particularly well known for its Models for Change programme, which works with dog meat farmers to close their operations and transition to alternative, ethical livelihoods. Since 2015, HSI/Korea has rescued more than 2,500 dogs from dog meat farms. The organisation is headquartered in Seoul; further details are available at humaneworld.org/south-korea.

International Aid for Korean Animals (IAKA) was established in 1997 with a focus on educating the public — particularly schoolchildren — about the cruelties associated with the dog meat trade. Its sister organisation, the Korea Animal Protection and Education Society (KAPES), works to raise awareness about adoption, spaying and neutering, and responsible pet ownership.

A number of domestic groups, including LIFE, the Busan Korean Alliance for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, KoreanK9Rescue, the Yongin Animal Care Association, and Animal Liberation Wave, maintain a visible and active presence on issues related to animal welfare — most notably in opposing the dog meat industry. Several of these Korean organisations have also built alliances with international animal protection bodies.

For expats wishing to adopt, the Korea Animal Rescue and Management (KARA) organisation and local municipal shelters (공고동물보호소) are worth investigating. Many shelters post available animals on the government’s Animal Protection Management System (APMS), a national platform tracking abandoned and sheltered animals. Expat community groups in Seoul and Busan also frequently assist with pet adoptions and can help newcomers navigate Korean-language paperwork.

What should expats know about bringing a pet into South Korea?

South Korea operates a clear but detailed import framework for animals. Moving to South Korea with a dog or cat means complying with regulations administered by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA). Requirements are subject to change, so always confirm the most current rules directly with the APQA website before making travel arrangements.

The steps for bringing a dog or cat into South Korea from a country that is not classified as rabies-free are as follows:

1. Microchip your pet: Your animal must be identified with a non-encrypted, 15-digit microchip conforming to ISO 11784 or Annex A of ISO 11785. The microchip must be inserted prior to the first rabies vaccination — this requirement is strictly applied. If the chip cannot be confirmed before the vaccine is administered, that vaccination will not be recognised as valid for entry purposes.
2. Vaccinate against rabies: Following microchip insertion, your pet must receive a rabies vaccination using an inactivated vaccine approved in the country of origin. If the animal does not have a current rabies vaccination, it must be given no fewer than 30 days before entering South Korea.
3. Rabies antibody titer test: For cats and dogs aged 90 days or older originating from countries that are not rabies-free, a rabies-neutralising antibody test is compulsory. The test result must equal or exceed 0.5 IU/ml and remains valid for 24 months prior to entry.
4. Obtain a government health certificate: A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin is required for all pet imports into South Korea. The certificate must clearly identify the animal, including its microchip number, and must be completed shortly before travel.
5. Arrive and present documents to APQA: Upon arrival, present all documentation to APQA quarantine officers. Bring both originals and copies of the microchip record, vaccination record, titer test results, and health certificate. At Incheon, Gimpo, or Busan airports, proceed to the animal quarantine office for inspection and clearance.
6. Clearance or quarantine: An animal whose documentation is verified and whose health is confirmed through a clinical examination may be released on the day of arrival. However, an animal lacking a microchip, or where the chip number does not match the certificate, may be subject to extended quarantine at the owner’s expense.
7. Register your pet locally: Once you have settled in, register your dog with your local district office — many districts also support cat registration. In cities like Seoul, registration is mandatory, and fines apply for non-compliance.

Cats and dogs younger than 90 days, or those arriving from countries recognised as rabies-free, are not required to have prior rabies vaccination, but microchipping remains mandatory. Their owners must present a health certificate issued by the government authority of the exporting country to the animal quarantine officer at the port of entry, stating the animal’s microchip number and date of birth.

The overall planning timeline runs to approximately three to four months, accounting for the vaccination, a mandatory 30-day waiting period before the blood draw, and four to six weeks for laboratory results. Always check directly with the APQA at qia.go.kr for the latest requirements before you travel.

Where can expats buy pet food, supplies, and veterinary care in South Korea?

South Korea’s pet industry has matured rapidly into a well-stocked and diverse market. With the pet food sector valued at approximately $1.5 billion in 2023 and forecast to grow considerably through 2028, expats arriving from countries with well-developed pet retail sectors will find the product range in South Korea increasingly familiar.

Major cities including Seoul, Busan, Incheon, and Daegu are served by extensive pet retail networks. Dedicated pet supply chains such as Petlove and Petzbe operate across the country, stocking food, accessories, grooming products, and healthcare items. International brands — including Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, Purina, and Orijen — are readily available in both physical stores and online. Major Korean e-commerce platforms such as Coupang and Gmarket carry broad ranges of pet products and offer fast, frequently next-day delivery across most of the country, which is especially convenient for expats in smaller cities or rural areas.

Veterinary standards in South Korea’s major cities are generally high. Seoul in particular is home to numerous well-equipped clinics and 24-hour emergency animal hospitals. In the larger cities, English-speaking vets, groomers, pet-sitters, and boarding facilities are available, which eases the transition for newcomers who have yet to gain fluency in Korean. Outside the main urban centres, however, finding a vet who speaks English can be more difficult, and the availability of specialist services may be more restricted. Expat community groups are a valuable source of personal recommendations, since the quality of individual clinics can vary considerably.

Veterinary costs in South Korea are generally lower than in countries such as Australia or Switzerland, though fees have been rising in line with demand. Since there is no public veterinary system — all care is provided privately — pet insurance is worth considering, particularly for larger or older animals. Domestic Korean insurers offer pet insurance products, and some international providers extend their cover to South Korea.

Are there cultural taboos, sensitivities, or religious considerations around specific animals in South Korea?

South Korea is broadly secular in formal terms, though Buddhism, Christianity, and Confucian cultural traditions all influence social attitudes. Unlike societies where particular animals carry formal religious significance — such as cattle in Hindu-majority regions, or pigs in certain Muslim-majority communities — South Korea does not impose strong religious restrictions on most common pets or animals encountered in everyday life.

The most culturally significant issue for newly arrived expats is the tradition of dog meat consumption. Boshintang, a stew made from dog meat, has historically been consumed by some South Koreans during the hottest summer months. While many pet owners have long regarded dogs as companions, others historically viewed dog consumption as a distinctive element of the country’s culinary heritage. However, this tradition is now legally on the way out. In 2024, the South Korean National Assembly passed legislation banning the dog meat industry. With a three-year phase-out built in, the breeding, slaughter, and sale of dogs and dog meat for human consumption will be prohibited from 2027.

Expats are advised to handle this subject with care. Expressing strong views on dog meat — particularly in conversation with older Koreans — risks causing offence in either direction. The generational divide is pronounced: younger Koreans overwhelmingly regard dogs as companions and have no interest in eating them, yet the topic continues to generate cultural debate during the phase-out period.

When exercising dogs in public, expats should expect lead requirements in parks, and certain breeds may be subject to additional obligations such as certified training, muzzles, and insurance. Not all members of the public feel at ease around dogs — particularly large ones — and some public spaces such as markets, restaurants, and public transport networks have their own restrictions. Pay attention to posted signs and be considerate of those around you. Recent legal changes permitting pets in restaurants come with specific conditions attached and have not yet been universally adopted.

Among the symbolic animals in Korean folklore, the tiger holds particular significance as a national emblem and a central figure in Korean mythology. The magpie — considered auspicious and recognised as the national bird — and the black cat — associated with misfortune in some quarters, as in certain Western traditions — also feature in the cultural landscape. These are largely matters of cultural awareness rather than strict taboos, but they offer useful context for understanding how animals are perceived in Korean society.

What is the situation regarding stray or feral animals in South Korea?

Stray and abandoned animals represent a recognised social challenge in South Korea. As pet ownership has risen, so too has the number of animals that are abandoned, and municipal shelters can struggle with overcrowding as a result. South Korea’s approach has been inconsistent when compared with countries that operate well-established trap-neuter-return (TNR) programmes at a national level — such as those found across much of Western Europe — though the situation is gradually improving.

Seoul and certain other metropolitan authorities have begun actively promoting TNR for urban cat populations, and the national government has been encouraged to support the adoption of stray animals, following Seoul’s example. Abandoned dogs are taken into municipal shelters, where they are held during a legally mandated public notice period before being made available for adoption. Animals that are neither claimed nor rehomed within the statutory period may in some cases be euthanised.

The South Korean government is rolling out a five-year animal welfare initiative timed to coincide with the closure of dog meat farms. Animal welfare education is being incorporated into primary and middle school curricula from 2025, and into high school programmes from 2026 — a development that signals a broader societal commitment to reshaping attitudes toward animals from an early age.

On the matter of health risks, South Korea is not classified as a rabies-free country, though the incidence of human rabies cases is extremely low. Expats should avoid contact with unfamiliar stray animals and ensure their own pets’ vaccinations are kept current. Anyone bitten or scratched by a stray animal should seek medical attention without delay. For the latest guidance on rabies and other zoonotic disease risks, refer to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) or the WHO Korea country office. Stray cats are a common sight in urban areas and are generally non-aggressive, but they may carry parasites, so basic hygiene precautions are advisable if you choose to feed neighbourhood cats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my pet when I arrive in South Korea?

South Korea’s Animal Protection Act requires all owners of indoor companion dogs over two months of age to register their animals. Registration involves microchipping and entering your pet’s details into the records held by your local district office. Failure to register may result in a fine. Contact your local gu (district) office or check with MAFRA for current procedures and any fees that apply.

Can I bring any breed of dog into South Korea?

There is no breed-specific import ban in South Korea, but the revised Animal Protection Act requires government permits, neutering, and liability insurance for owners of five designated aggressive dog breeds: Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa, and Rottweiler. If you own one of these breeds, you will need to apply for a permit from your provincial or metropolitan government authority after arriving in the country.

Is quarantine required when bringing a pet to South Korea?

No quarantine is required if all documentation requirements are satisfied — most animals are released on the day of arrival following a clinical inspection. If a microchip is absent or the titer test is missing or fails, the animal may be held in facility quarantine at the owner’s expense, typically for around 10 days. Ensuring your paperwork is complete and accurate before travelling will help you avoid unexpected costs and distress for your animal.

Is it safe to walk my dog in South Korea?

Dog walking in urban South Korea is generally safe and increasingly commonplace. Expats should be aware of lead requirements in parks, and certain breeds may be subject to additional conditions including training certification, muzzles, and insurance. Keeping in mind that some members of the public may feel uncomfortable around dogs — particularly larger ones — it is both a legal obligation and good social etiquette to keep your pet on a lead and under control at all times.

Where can I find a vet in South Korea who speaks my language?

In large cities such as Seoul, English-speaking vets, groomers, pet-sitters, and boarding facilities can be found without too much difficulty. Expat community groups on platforms such as Facebook and Meetup often maintain lists of recommended clinics. Outside the major urban centres, English-speaking veterinary professionals can be harder to come by, so it is advisable to identify a suitable clinic before you actually need one rather than searching under pressure in an emergency.

Is dog meat still eaten in South Korea?

In 2024, South Korea’s National Assembly passed legislation banning the dog meat industry. The law includes a three-year phase-out period, after which the breeding, slaughter, and sale of dogs and dog meat for human consumption will be illegal from 2027. During the transition period, some operations may still be functioning within the law. Expats should treat this subject with sensitivity, as it remains a topic of cultural debate.

Can I adopt a rescue dog or cat in South Korea as an expat?

Yes — expats can and regularly do adopt rescue animals in South Korea. Municipal shelters list available animals on the government’s Animal Protection Management System at animal.go.kr. Organisations including HSI/Korea and community groups such as KoreanK9Rescue and KARA also support adoptions and can provide assistance in English. Bear in mind that you will still be required to complete local registration formalities after adoption.

What should I do if my pet is bitten by a stray animal?

Take your pet to a vet immediately, even if the injury looks superficial. Stray animals can carry rabies, parasites, and other infectious diseases. Report the incident to your local animal control authority as well. If you have been bitten or scratched by a stray animal yourself, seek medical attention promptly. For current public health advice, consult the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).