🐾 Traveling to Korea South with Pets
Pet-Friendly Korea South
Korea South is increasingly welcoming to pets, particularly in urban areas like Seoul and Busan. Dogs are common in parks and cafes, and many hotels and public spaces accommodate well-behaved animals, making it a growing pet-friendly destination in Asia.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Health Certificate
Dogs, cats, and other pets need a health certificate issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of arrival.
Certificate must include details on microchip, vaccinations, and freedom from infectious diseases.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before entry and valid for the stay.
Pets from rabies-free countries may have relaxed rules; verify with QIA for specific requirements.
Microchip Requirements
All pets must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before vaccination.
Chip number must be linked to all documents; scanners are available at entry points.
Import Permit
Obtain an import permit from the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA) at least 48 hours before arrival.
Submit application online with pet details; quarantine may apply for non-compliant pets up to 30 days.
Restricted Breeds
No nationwide breed bans, but some local regulations in Seoul and Busan may restrict aggressive breeds.
Breeds like Pit Bulls may need muzzles and leashes in public; check municipal rules.
Other Pets
Birds, rabbits, and small mammals require separate QIA permits and health checks.
Exotic species need CITES documentation; contact QIA for species-specific entry rules.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Korea South on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Seoul & Busan): Urban hotels like Lotte Hotel and Shilla Seoul welcome pets for 20,000-50,000 KRW/night, with nearby parks and pet amenities. Chains like Ibis are often accommodating.
- Beach Resorts & Villas (Jeju Island): Coastal stays frequently allow pets at no extra fee, with beach access. Ideal for relaxed holidays with dogs in tropical settings.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and local platforms like Yakgwa list pet-friendly options, especially in residential areas. Homes provide space for pets to move freely.
- Hanok Stays (Traditional Homes): Gyeongju and Jeonju hanoks welcome pets and offer cultural immersion. Great for families with children and pets exploring heritage sites.
- Campsites & Glamping: National parks and Jeju sites are pet-friendly with dog zones and trails. Popular for outdoor adventures with pets.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end spots like Signiel Seoul provide premium services including pet spas, menus, and walking areas for upscale travelers.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Mountain Hiking Trails
Korea South's national parks like Seoraksan and Jirisan offer pet-friendly trails for dogs.
Leash pets near hikers and check park rules at entrances for seasonal restrictions.
Beaches & Islands
Jeju and Busan beaches have designated dog areas for swimming and play.
Haeundae and Jungmun beaches allow pets; follow signage for off-limits zones.
Cities & Parks
Seoul's Olympic Park and Han River parks welcome leashed dogs; outdoor cafes often permit pets.
Busan's coastal paths are dog-friendly; most outdoor eateries accommodate well-behaved pets.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Korea South's cafe culture includes pet cafes; water stations are common in cities.
Many Seoul cafes allow dogs indoors; confirm with staff before entering.
City Walking Tours
Outdoor tours in Seoul and Gyeongju welcome leashed dogs without extra fees.
Historic districts are accessible; skip indoor temples and museums with pets.
Cable Cars & Lifts
Many cable cars like those at Namsan allow dogs in carriers; fees around 5,000-10,000 KRW.
Verify with operators; peak seasons may require pet reservations.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Trains (KTX & Korail): Small pets travel free in carriers; larger dogs require tickets (half-price) and muzzles. Allowed in non-reserved seats but not dining areas.
- Buses & Subways (Urban): Seoul and Busan metros allow small pets free in carriers; larger dogs 2,000-3,000 KRW with leash/muzzle. Avoid rush hours.
- Taxis: Confirm with driver; most accept pets with notice. Kakao T app has pet-friendly options.
- Rental Cars: Agencies like Lotte Rent-a-Car allow pets with prior notice and cleaning fee (30,000-80,000 KRW). Opt for larger vehicles for comfort.
- Flights to Korea South: Check airline policies; Korean Air and Asiana allow cabin pets under 8kg. Book early and review carrier rules. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: Korean Air, Asiana, and Japan Airlines accept cabin pets (under 8kg) for 50,000-100,000 KRW each way. Larger pets in cargo with health certificates.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics in Seoul (like Seoul National University Veterinary Hospital) and Busan offer urgent care.
Travel insurance should cover pets; consultations cost 50,000-200,000 KRW.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Chains like Pet Friends and E-Mart stock food, meds, and accessories nationwide.
Pharmacies carry basic pet items; bring prescriptions for specialized treatments.
Grooming & Day Care
Cities provide salons and daycare for 20,000-50,000 KRW per session.
Reserve in advance during holidays; hotels often suggest local providers.
Pet-Sitting Services
Apps like Pet Sitter Korea offer sitting for day trips or overnights.
Hotels may arrange sitting; inquire at front desk for reliable options.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in cities, parks, and protected areas. Mountains may permit off-leash if controlled and away from crowds.
- Muzzle Requirements: Some urban areas require muzzles for large dogs on transport. Carry one for compliance.
- Waste Disposal: Bags and bins are common; fines for not cleaning up (50,000-500,000 KRW). Always pack waste on outings.
- Beach & Water Rules: Designated pet zones on beaches; bans during busy summer (June-Aug). Keep distance from bathers.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Pets at outdoor seats; ask for indoor entry. Keep dogs calm and off furniture.
- National Parks: Leash required; seasonal restrictions during wildlife breeding (March-May). Stick to paths.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Korea South
Korea South for Families
Korea South delights families with vibrant cities, theme parks, beaches, and cultural sites. Safe environments, interactive attractions, and kid-focused amenities make it ideal. Stroller access, family restrooms, and children's programs are widespread.
Top Family Attractions
Lotte World (Seoul)
Indoor/outdoor theme park with rides, ice rink, and folk museum for all ages.
Tickets 50,000-60,000 KRW adults, 40,000-50,000 KRW kids; open daily with shows.
Seoul Grand Park Zoo (Seoul)
Spacious zoo with lions, tigers, and safari experiences in natural settings.
Entry 5,000 KRW adults, 3,000 KRW kids; pair with nearby amusement park for full day.
Everland Theme Park (Yongin)
Asia's largest theme park with roller coasters, safari, and seasonal festivals.
Tickets 58,000 KRW adults, 46,000 KRW kids; family packages include animal shows.
National Science Museum (Daejeon)
Hands-on exhibits with planetarium, robotics, and experiments for curious kids.
Tickets 5,000 KRW adults, 3,000 KRW kids; multilingual and engaging for all ages.
Jeju Folk Village
Cultural park recreating traditional life with demonstrations and playgrounds.
Entry 11,000 KRW adults, 8,000 KRW kids; interactive for families near beaches.
Busan Aquarium & Beaches
Marine life exhibits plus nearby beaches for play; summer water activities.
Tickets 29,000 KRW adults, 24,000 KRW kids; family-friendly coastal fun.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Korea South on Viator. From K-pop experiences to island adventures, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Seoul & Busan): Properties like Novotel Ambassador and Paradise Hotel offer family rooms (2 adults + 2 kids) for 150,000-300,000 KRW/night. Include cribs, kids' menus, and play zones.
- Resort Complexes (Jeju): All-inclusive spots with kids' clubs, pools, and family suites. Places like Lotte Jeju cater to families with programs and beaches.
- Pension Stays (Countryside): Affordable rural pensions with animal farms and outdoor space. Rates 80,000-150,000 KRW/night including meals.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering units with kitchens for family meals. Plenty of space in areas like Gangnam or Haeundae.
- Youth Hostels & Guesthouses: Budget family rooms in Seoul and Jeju for 100,000-150,000 KRW/night. Clean with communal kitchens.
- Themed Hotels: Fun stays like Hello Kitty Island in Jeju for magical family experiences with character rooms.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Seoul with Kids
Lotte World, Namsan Tower cable car, children's museums, and Han River picnics.
Street food tours and interactive palaces make Seoul exciting for young explorers.
Busan with Kids
Sea Life Aquarium, Gamcheon Culture Village, beach play, and Jagalchi Market visits.
Boat rides and cultural shows keep families engaged by the coast.
Jeju Island with Kids
Volcano hikes, lava tubes, beaches, and Teddy Bear Museum.
Easy trails and water parks offer adventure and relaxation for all ages.
Gyeongju with Kids
Ancient tombs, Bulguksa Temple, lakeside biking, and Anapji Pond light shows.
History comes alive with kid-friendly tours and outdoor exploration.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Trains: Kids under 6 free; 6-13 half-price with adult. Family areas on KTX with stroller space.
- City Transport: Seoul/Busan family passes (2 adults + kids) 10,000-15,000 KRW/day. Subways stroller-friendly.
- Car Rentals: Child seats 5,000-10,000 KRW/day mandatory under 6 or 140cm. Book family-sized cars.
- Stroller-Friendly: Cities have ramps and elevators; attractions offer parking for strollers.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Restaurants provide options like bibimbap or noodles for 5,000-10,000 KRW. High chairs common.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Korean BBQ spots and markets welcome kids with play areas. Myeongdong has variety.
- Self-Catering: E-Mart and Lotte Mart sell baby food, diapers. Fresh markets for home cooking.
- Snacks & Treats: Street vendors offer tteokbokki, hotteok; bakeries have sweet buns for energy.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: In malls, stations, and parks with nursing spaces.
- Pharmacies: Stock formula, diapers, meds; English-speaking staff available.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels arrange sitters 15,000-20,000 KRW/hour via concierge or apps.
- Medical Care: Pediatric clinics in cities; hospitals have English services. Travel insurance recommended.
♿ Accessibility in Korea South
Accessible Travel
Korea South excels in accessibility with advanced public transport, ramps, and inclusive sites. Urban areas prioritize universal design, and tourism resources offer barrier-free planning tools.
Transportation Accessibility
- Trains: KTX provides wheelchair spaces, ramps, and assistance. Book 24 hours ahead for help.
- City Transport: Seoul subways and buses have elevators, low floors. Voice guides for visually impaired.
- Taxis: Wheelchair taxis via apps; standard ones fit folding chairs.
- Airports: Incheon and Gimpo offer full services, priority boarding, and accessible facilities.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Palaces: Gyeongbokgung and National Museum have ramps, audio guides, elevators.
- Historic Sites: Jeju sites accessible; Seoul streets mostly smooth despite some hills.
- Nature & Parks: Han River parks wheelchair-friendly; Lotte World has accessible rides.
- Accommodations: Hotels list accessible rooms on Booking.com; seek roll-in showers and wide doors.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms; autumn (Sept-Nov) for mild weather and foliage.
Summer (June-Aug) hot/humid for beaches; winter (Dec-Feb) cold for indoor activities.
Budget Tips
Combo tickets for parks; Discover Seoul Pass for transport/discounts.
Apartment stays and picnics cut costs for family meals.
Language
Korean official; English common in tourist spots and youth.
Basic phrases help; locals friendly to families and visitors.
Packing Essentials
Light layers for variable weather, comfy shoes, umbrellas for rain.
Pets: familiar food, leash, muzzle, waste bags, import docs.
Useful Apps
Korail for trains, Naver Maps, Pet Sitter apps.
Seoul Subway and T-money for transport tracking.
Health & Safety
Very safe; tap water safe in cities. Pharmacies advise on health.
Emergency: 119 for all services. Insurance covers medical needs.