Traveling with pets is becoming more and more popular, and the Pet Friendly Tourism Cities program is great news for pets. The program is expanding opportunities to enjoy traveling with pets by creating a pet-friendly environment and providing a variety of travel content that takes advantage of local characteristics.
In 2024, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do, and Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, were selected as the new "Pet Friendly Tourism Cities." These cities will receive government funding for up to four years to develop pet travel programs and specialized projects that make use of local characteristics. This follows Ulsan Metropolitan City and Taean-gun, Chungnam last year, and is expected to contribute to further spreading the culture of traveling with pets.
Each city will showcase its own unique program, offering a special travel experience for both pets and their owners. For example, Suncheon City will develop pet-specific content using Suncheon Bay National Garden and Suncheon Bay Wetlands, and run programs such as experiential camping, marathons, and enjoying exotic meals. Pocheon City will introduce music festivals and breed-specific tourism products, including the creation of a pet welcome center around Pocheon Art Valley and the development of a tour program along the Hantan River.
The program aims to create an environment where both pets and non-pets can happily coexist, and is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. These programs will also contribute to improving social awareness of traveling with pets and creating a welcoming atmosphere for pets in more destinations.
Traveling with your pet is about more than just getting from place to place - it's about strengthening the bond between you and your pet, and deepening your understanding of each other through new experiences. The Pet Friendly Tourism Cities program is an important step in making these experiences possible, and we look forward to seeing more places join the movement to make traveling with your pet easier and more enjoyable.
