The Rise of Pet-Friendly Travel in South Korea
The number of people who consider their pets as family members is on the rise, leading to an increased demand for pet-friendly travel options. According to the Korea Tourism Organization's '2024 Pet Travel Status and Perception Survey Report,' a survey of 2,144 pet owners found that 74.1% had traveled domestically with their pets in the past year, with 60.4% of these trips being overnight stays. This marks a 7.4% increase from the 2022 survey.
Pet travelers tend to spend more money compared to non-pet travelers. The Korea Tourism Organization reported that in 2022, pet travelers spent 2.1 times more on day trips and 3.6 times more on overnight stays.
In response to this growing trend, the hotel and resort industry has stepped up efforts to cater to pet travelers by offering a variety of services, from dedicated rooms to specialized facilities.
Sono Pet Club & Resort in Hongcheon, Gangwon-do, operated by Sono International, is a prime example of this trend. Opened in July 2020 with 157 rooms, the resort boasts a natural grass playground of over 5,000 square meters where pets can run leash-free. The rooms are designed with pet safety in mind, featuring non-slip flooring and appropriately high beds. Unlike other establishments where pets are restricted, this resort allows pets and their owners to dine together, with a special pet menu crafted by a pet-specialist chef.
Similarly, Kensington Resort Chungju, operated by Eland Park, has shifted its focus from group customers to pet owners, offering 80 pet-friendly rooms, some with pet playgrounds and barbecue facilities. For the holiday season, the resort features a pet-only “Meng Water Playground” with a shallow pool suitable for pets to splash around.
SIGNIEL Busan provides a 'Me and my pet' package, which includes four dog-friendly rooms equipped with pet amenities such as pet stairs, beds, and special tableware. The package also offers free rentals of pet strollers and cages.
The increasing number of pet owners in South Korea, from 17.4% in 2010 to 28.2% in 2023, is driving the rapid expansion of the pet-related market. This market, valued at 1.9 trillion won in 2015, grew to 3.4 trillion won in 2020 and is projected to exceed 6 trillion won by 2027, outpacing the baby product market.
The article discusses the growing trend of people traveling with their pets and how this is influencing the hospitality industry. It highlights data from a Korea Tourism Organization report and showcases various resorts and hotels in South Korea that are adapting to accommodate pet travelers with specialized services and facilities. Additionally, it notes the rapid growth of the pet-related market in South Korea.
FAQs
1. Why is there a growing trend of traveling with pets? Many pet owners consider their pets as family members, leading to a higher demand for pet-friendly travel options.
2. How has the hospitality industry responded to this trend? Hotels and resorts are offering specialized services such as pet-friendly rooms, playgrounds, and even pet menus to attract pet travelers.
3. What are some examples of pet-friendly accommodations in South Korea?
- Sono Pet Club & Resort: Offers a large natural grass playground and pet-friendly dining options.
- Kensington Resort Chungju: Transformed into a pet-friendly resort with dedicated rooms and facilities.
- SIGNIEL Busan: Provides a 'Me and my pet' package with pet amenities and special services.
4. How significant is the growth of the pet-related market in South Korea? The market has grown from 1.9 trillion won in 2015 to 3.4 trillion won in 2020 and is expected to exceed 6 trillion won by 2027.
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