Thinking of getting a dog or cat while living in Korea? You’re not alone. Many foreigners feel the same—especially after moving here alone or staying long-term. But while pet ownership can bring joy and comfort, it also comes with a long list of responsibilities that are often underestimated.
In Korea, pet ownership is growing fast. You’ll see plenty of people walking small dogs in parks or taking them to cafes. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy—especially if you're a foreign resident. From strict housing rules to travel complications, owning a pet here comes with unique challenges.
This guide breaks down everything you need to consider before you bring home a pet—from legal rules to lifestyle adjustments. Whether you're here for a year or planning to stay long-term, it’s worth thinking ahead.
Table of Contents :
- Can Foreigners Own Pets in Korea?
- Pet-Friendly Housing in Korea: What You Need to Know
- What Happens If You Travel or Leave Korea?
- Cultural Norms and Daily Life with a Pet in Korea
- Finding Support: Communities, Vets, and Services
- The Hard Questions: Can You Truly Commit?
- Legal Requirements & Responsibilities in Korea
- FAQ: Common Questions from Foreigners
Can Foreigners Own Pets in Korea?
Yes—foreigners can absolutely have pets in Korea. There's no legal restriction preventing you from adopting or buying a pet. But that doesn’t mean it’s simple.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
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Your housing must allow pets. Most Korean landlords don’t accept animals. You’ll need explicit permission—and it should be written in your lease.
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You’re legally responsible for registration. Dogs over two months old must be registered with a microchip and linked to your name—even if you’re not a Korean citizen.
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You must plan ahead for travel and relocation. Pet care while abroad is expensive and limited.
While locals can rely on family or long-term networks, expats often don’t have that safety net. So although pet ownership is allowed, it may not always be practical depending on your situation.
Tip: Just because your neighbor has a dog doesn’t mean your apartment allows one. Always check with your landlord directly—and get it in writing.
Pet-Friendly Housing in Korea: What You Need to Know
Finding a pet-friendly home in Korea isn’t easy. Most apartments (아파트) and villas (빌라) don’t allow pets. Even if the building itself has no ban, individual landlords often say no.
Pet-friendly units exist but are limited. They usually come with stricter conditions—like higher deposits or rules about pet size and breed. Verbal permission is not enough. Always get it in writing.
Still, things are changing. Some newer apartments and public housing projects, such as Seoul’s “Gyeonwoo Ilga,” now allow pets. Apps like Zigbang and Dabang let you search for “반려동물 가능” listings, but don’t expect a long list.
Tip: Always ask your agent and landlord clearly. Pet policies vary unit by unit.
What Happens If You Travel or Leave Korea?
One of the biggest concerns for foreign pet owners is what to do when they need to leave the country—whether for vacation, family visits, or visa-related issues. Unlike locals, many expats don’t have nearby family who can help.
Here are your options:
🔳 Pet Hotels
These are available in most major cities. Daily costs range from ₩30,000 to ₩70,000 depending on the size and needs of your pet. Some include grooming, playtime, or webcam monitoring. However, not all facilities accept cats or large dogs.
🔳 Pet Sitters
Several websites and apps (like Pawshake or local Facebook groups) offer sitter services, including home visits or overnight care. Always check reviews and do a trial visit in advance.
🔳 Trusted Friends or Fellow Expats
In some cases, you might arrange pet care through someone you know. This is often the most affordable and comfortable option—for both you and your pet—but it’s not always possible.
Important: If you leave Korea permanently, exporting your pet requires planning. You'll need vaccinations, a health certificate, and approval from both Korean and destination country authorities. This process can take weeks, so plan ahead.
Cultural Norms and Daily Life with a Pet in Korea
Korea’s pet culture may be different from what you’re used to. Understanding these differences can help you avoid uncomfortable situations—or even fines.
Common Cultural Differences:
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Noise Sensitivity: Many Koreans live in apartments and are very sensitive to barking. Uncontrolled noise can lead to neighbor complaints or disputes.
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Cleanliness Expectations: You are expected to carry waste bags and clean up after your dog in public spaces—especially in parks or on sidewalks.
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Pet Size: Small breeds like Maltese or Poodles are more common and more accepted in shared housing. Large dogs may face more restrictions.
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Pet Cafés vs. Pet-Free Zones: Korea has many pet cafés, salons, and hotels, but also many no-pet zones. Always check signage, especially in public transport and restaurants.
Reminder: Dogs must be leashed in public at all times. Some areas even require muzzles for larger breeds.
Daily routines, such as walking your dog, may also require adjustments depending on your neighborhood, building rules, or nearby facilities.
Finding Support: Communities, Vets, and Services
Being a pet owner in a foreign country is easier when you’re not doing it alone. Fortunately, there are active communities and services available for foreigners with pets in Korea.
🔳 Online Communities
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Facebook Groups like Dog Owners in Korea, Pet Rescue Korea, and Foreigners in Korea with Pets offer advice, sitter referrals, and secondhand supplies.
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Reddit Threads in r/korea and r/Living_in_Korea often feature posts about pet-friendly housing, vet recommendations, and travel logistics.
🔳 English-Speaking Vets
In cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu, you’ll find animal hospitals that offer basic English support. Use Naver Map or Google Maps and search for “동물병원 영어” (animal hospital English).
🔳 Helpful Apps
Tip: Save emergency contacts for a 24-hour animal hospital in your area. Emergencies do happen—and often at night.
The Hard Questions: Can You Truly Commit?
Getting a pet is easy. But keeping one—through every stage of life—is the real challenge. This is especially true for foreigners in Korea, where life circumstances can change quickly due to visa issues, job changes, or sudden moves abroad.
Before adopting or buying a pet, ask yourself these questions:
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Can I commit for 10–15 years? Most dogs and cats live well over a decade. Will you still be in Korea—or able to take your pet with you—years from now?
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Do I have a plan for emergencies, travel, or relocation? Pet hotels and sitters are helpful but costly. Without a backup plan, your pet may suffer when you're away.
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Can I handle vet bills and daily expenses? Vet visits, vaccinations, grooming, and quality food can add up quickly.
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Am I emotionally ready? Pets need time, attention, and patience. Especially during training or illness, they rely on you completely.
Sadly, Korea still faces a serious problem with pet abandonment. Many animals are left behind when their owners move, lose jobs, or simply get overwhelmed. This is a choice that affects a living being—not just your lifestyle.
If you're not 100% ready, it’s okay to wait. Responsible timing is better than rushed regret.
Legal Requirements & Responsibilities in Korea
Korea has clear rules for pet ownership, and foreigners must follow them like everyone else.
🔳 Dog Registration
Dogs over two months old must be registered at the local district office. This includes microchip or tag ID. Not registering can lead to fines up to ₩1,000,000.
🔳 Dangerous Dogs
Certain breeds—like Tosas and Pit Bulls—require special registration, muzzles, and safety training. Rules are strict, and fines apply if broken.
🔳 Abandonment Laws
Abandoning a pet is a crime. It can lead to prison (up to 3 years) or a ₩30 million fine—even for foreigners.
🔳 Leaving Korea with a Pet
Taking your pet abroad requires vaccines, microchip info, a health certificate, and permission from the QIA. Start the process at least a month in advance.
Tip: Visit the QIA website for full details on pet export rules.
FAQ: Common Questions from Foreigners
Q1. Are foreigners allowed to adopt pets in Korea?
Yes. Many shelters, rescue groups, and even breeders accept foreign adopters. But you’ll still need to pass standard checks, including housing stability and proof of income.
Q2. What’s the best way to find a pet in Korea?
You can adopt through websites like KAPS, Animal Rescue Korea, or local Facebook groups. Avoid buying from pet shops—many use unethical breeding practices.
Q3. Can I take my pet with me if I leave Korea?
Yes, but you’ll need to prepare in advance. Exporting a pet requires health checks, vaccinations, microchip registration, and sometimes quarantine—depending on your destination country.
Q4. Is pet insurance available for foreigners?
Some Korean insurance companies offer pet policies, but they’re usually in Korean only. Ask an English-speaking vet if they can help with application steps.
Q5. Are pets allowed on public transport?
Small pets are allowed on subways and buses if they're in carriers. Larger animals are not permitted unless it’s a service dog.
Owning a pet in Korea as a foreigner is possible—but it requires serious thought and preparation. From strict housing rules to travel logistics and long-term responsibility, there’s much more to consider than just wanting a companion.
Personally, I spent nearly 20 years living alone in Japan. There were times I longed for the companionship of a pet. But no matter how much I wanted one, I couldn’t ignore the reality. It wasn’t just the housing issue or the cost. What really held me back was the fear that I wouldn’t be able to care for the animal properly if I had to travel home—or leave the country entirely. The thought of leaving a pet behind, even temporarily, made me realize I wasn’t ready. And that hesitation came from respect, not reluctance.
So here’s my advice: if you’re not fully sure you can commit, it’s okay to wait. A pet is not a temporary comfort—it’s a life you’re choosing to care for. When the time is right, and when you’re ready, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll have in Korea.
