Summer resorts welcome vacationers and their pets
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By Chung Ah-young
Just a few years ago, Jun Tae-im, 32, had to leave her dogs in the care of an aunt whenever she went on vacation or otherwise give up the vacation altogether.
“A couple of years ago, I started reading about some resorts that allow dogs. Since then, I have brought my puppies with me whenever I go to those resorts at least once a year,” she said.
Jun recently stayed at a pet-friendly lodge in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province.
“It was like a fairytale land. I get stressed out when neighbors who don’t like dogs get scared at my puppies when we take a walk around the apartment building. But in this dog-friendly lodge, I am really happy to see my puppies run around freely because they don’t have to wear a dog collar,” she said.
Jun has stayed at pet-friendly resorts four times including for this recent vacation. She said she is satisfied with the services at the pet-friendly lodges because they give her dogs plenty of opportunity to meet other pets there.
“I really like it because all the guests staying there love pets. I don’t have to worry about people who are scared of dogs,” she said.
As pet ownership has surged to more than 10 million in Korea, more hotels and resorts are offering services for pet–owning guests.
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has published a list of pet-friendly summer accommodations, from camping sites to pool villas.
For pet owners, however, simply accepting pets is not enough. Pet-friendly summer resorts should also offer related important facilities, such as the low-rise fences that keep pets from running out, and pet pools, bathrooms and shops.
More than 280 “pet cafes” around the nation have opened, offering respite to customers and their pets. For those who are unable to take a long vacation, these cafes are an accessible but still relaxing alternative.
For travelers with pets, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines allow one pet under 5 kilograms per passenger inside the cabin.
The Korea Train Express (KTX) also allows pet but has several requirements. For example, it requires that pets on board should be vaccinated against rabies and other diseases.
“An increasing number of lodging facilities and transportation systems are now offering pet-friendly services. Today, vacationers with pets have more option on where to stay and how to get there,” the KTO said.
Pet cafes are great for a few hours of relaxation for pets and their owners. Bau House in Mapo, Seoul; Joy Dog in Namyangju; Be Together, Be Loved in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province; Play Dog in Gangneung, Gangwon Province; and “Love and Dog” in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province provide diverse desserts and beverages for both pets and owners, along with items just for pets.
For vacations, Petite Dog Pension in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province is a great option. The condominium-style pet-friendly resort is surrounded by famous tourist sites such as Morning Calm Arboretum and Nami Island and Hyeondeungsa Temple. Meanwhile, Puppy in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province has a vast playground, garden and pool and is near Yongmun Temple and a rail biking facility and a forest lodge around the valleys.
Sannaedle Pension in Pyeongchang in Gangwon Province features wooden structures and offers a healthy breakfast of vegetables, herbs and grilled meat.
Sky Zigi Pension & Sunshine Pension in Taean, South Chungcheong Province is nestled on a hill and has a beautiful fenced garden where pets have a lot of space in which to run around but will not get lost outside of the property.
Modu Olle Pet Pension in Jeju Island offers almost all of a pet’s needs; all travelers need to bring is dog food. This lodging is especially designed to accommodate both vacationers and their pets. It welcomes dogs of all sizes, making it popular among pet owners.