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Seoul invites 500 dog families to walk the Han River at autumn festival
A dog in a stroller at the 2026 K-Pet Fair Seoul at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul, July 17. Yonhap
By Lee Kyung-min
Seoul is inviting 500 teams of dogs and their families to trade the city’s streets for a 4-kilometer walk along the Han River as its annual Animal Happiness Festa returns in October.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday that the third annual festival will take place Oct. 17 and 18 at the plaza in front of Mulbit Stage at Yeouido Hangang Park.
Applications for the Animal Happiness Run will open at 11 a.m. Sept. 2 on the festival’s official website, with spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The run will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Oct. 17, when 500 teams of dogs and their families will walk together along the river, with commemorative gifts provided to participants.
The festival will also feature a talk by veterinarian Seol Chae-hyun, a prominent animal behavior specialist, who will discuss dogs’ behavior, health and the relationship between pets and their owners.
A “Second Chance in Life” showcase will give adopted dogs that have endured abandonment or abuse a chance to take the spotlight with their families.
The program will accept 80 teams across two categories, including a “stay” challenge and a treat-moving event.
On Oct. 18, the “PIMKEY Red Carpet Adoption” event will give foster dogs a chance to meet potential families, with as many as 200 foster families and animals expected to participate.
Other programs will include animal welfare activities, adoption campaigns, pet-culture quizzes, fitness sessions, behavioral and health consultations and photo zones.
The city designated Oct. 4 as Seoul Animal Protection Day in 2024 and has held the festival as an annual event promoting coexistence between people and animals.
Kim Young-hwan, head of Seoul’s Garden City Bureau, said the festival was intended to encourage respect for life and a culture of coexistence with animals.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.