The country’s pet-related market has grown rapidly in recent years on the back of an increasing number of people who live with pets. According to a report issued in April by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, 5.91 million households in Korea ― nearly a quarter of the total ― now have pets.
The Korea Rural Economic Institute said the size of the pet item-related industry has reached 3 trillion won ($2.5 billion) this year and is expected to grow to 6 trillion won in 2027. The boom in the market has expanded to accommodation, with pet-friendly hotels springing up everywhere to attract more pet owners.
According to research conducted by Booking.com with a sample size of 22,000 respondents from 29 countries, 51 percent of global pet owners and 62 percent of Korean pet owners said they would enjoy their vacation more if they could bring their pets along. Also, 42 percent of global pet owners and 51 percent of Korean pet owners said they would choose their holiday destinations in the coming year based on whether they can take their pets. With pet-centric vacations emerging as a new trend, the online hotel reservation company has recommended five hotels for pet owners seeking to travel with their pets.
Oakwood Premier Coex Center
Oakwood Premier Coex Center, located in the heart of southern Seoul’s Gangnam-gu, is a pet-friendly accommodation that welcomes guests’ companion animals ― dogs or cats. It provides hotel services in apartment-style studios equipped with various facilities including a kitchen, offering the benefits of a serviced residence as well as the convenience of a hotel stay.
For guests staying with their pets, trays, and bowls for pets, pee pads, and other supplies are provided free of charge. Up to two companion dogs or cats weighing under 10 kilograms are allowed to stay in each guest room.
Seaside Arden
Seaside Arden, a well-known pet-friendly accommodation, is a penthouse-style luxury resort located in Seogwipo on Jeju Island. Guests can stay with their dogs ― weighing 15 kilograms or less ― in rooms equipped with a dog kennel, trays and bowls, litter trays, and pet shampoo, as well as a hinoki wooden bathtub for the dog.
Moreover, the hotel provides three types of dog treats, towels, dog waste bags, and pee pads as amenities, completely satisfying pet owners. Tourist spots such as Yeomiji Botanical Garden and Saekdal Beach as well as Cheonjiyeon Waterfall are all in close proximity to the hotel, making it a perfect location to enjoy a walk in nature with a dog.
PyeongChang Ramada Hotel & Suite by Wyndham
PyeongChang Ramada Hotel & Suite by Wyndham recently opened guest rooms where one dog weighing 20 kilograms or less can stay with the family. A hotel is a place where dogs and their owners that have been mostly stuck at home due to social distancing can enjoy the fresh air outside.
The dog-friendly guest rooms are on the first floor, making it easy for dogs and their families to move about, and come with a small terrace where guests can enjoy being in nature while sniffing at the breezes from the mountains. Also, the hotel has located the dog-friendly rooms on the far side from regular suites to make sure those afraid of dogs can use the hotel without any fear.
Near the hotel, there is a sheep ranch in Daegwallyeong area that allows people to enter with their dogs.
Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel & Residences Seoul Yongsan
Located in Yongsan-gu in Seoul, Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel and Residences Seoul Yongsan allow dogs in all of its 202 rooms, welcoming families with pets seeking to spend a staycation together.
In addition, each of the units comes with a fully equipped kitchen. The hotel also houses a modern French bistro named A La Maison Wine & Dine, as well as the executive lounge, an indoor golf range, high-end sauna facilities, and pilates and yoga studios, enabling an awesome rest with companion animals in the heart of Seoul.
Vivaldi Park
Vivaldi Park located in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, has recently built a prestigious culture complex, called Sono Pet Club & Resort, which offers pet-friendly accommodations as well as specialized programs for companion animals, such as food and beverage experiences, clinic services, grooming services, and training sessions.
These features give guests human and canine a special chance to enjoy their time together, going beyond simply staying overnight at a hotel. Furthermore, for guests staying in a pet-friendly family suite, a welcome kit is provided including dog waste bags, dried animal treats, an eco-friendly bag and pee pads, as well as deodorizers and a free voucher for the playground.
Source: The Korea Times
