Wellness
Pet-Friendly Korea 2026: Foreign Traveler Guide
2026 pet-friendly Korea guide for foreign travelers — import permits (RNATT), pet hotels, dog-friendly cafes/parks, taxis, what to know.
Korea has become increasingly pet-friendly since 2020 — Seoul alone has 60+ pet-friendly cafes, 25+ parks allowing leashed dogs, and a growing list of pet hotels. But importing a pet from abroad requires planning: Korea's RNATT (Quarantine Notice) process needs 6 months of preparation. This 2026 guide covers what foreign visitors need to know about traveling to Korea with their pet, or visiting Korea's pet-friendly spots without a pet.
Importing a pet — RNATT process
Bringing a dog or cat to Korea requires the RNATT (Korea Quarantine Notice for Animal Transport). 6-month timeline: month 1-2 microchip + rabies vaccine; month 3-4 blood test (FAVN/RNATT) at certified labs (about $300-500 USD); month 5 arrange international pet shipper; month 6 file paperwork at Korean embassy and arrange Incheon Airport quarantine clearance. Alternative: short-term tourist visit (under 6 months) requires the same process. Cost: $1,500-3,500 total including shipping. Pets cannot be checked baggage on most airlines; verified pet shippers handle the logistics.
Pet-friendly Seoul spots
Pet-friendly cafes (Seoul has 60+): Bau House (Hongdae) — large dog-friendly with menu for pets, ₩10,000 entrance + drink. Cafe Cherry Blossom (Itaewon) — small/medium dogs, ₩8,000-12,000. Yongsan Pet Park is the largest dog park in Korea (free, open 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.). Olympic Park has designated pet-friendly walkways. Han River parks allow leashed dogs along most paths; specific dog beaches at Banpo and Yeouido. Taxis: only Kakao T Pet (specific service) accepts pets; standard taxis don't. Pet hotels: ₩30,000-80,000/night for boarding, including walks and play time.
Without a pet — visiting Korea's pet culture
Even without your own pet, you can visit Korean pet culture: animal cafes (rabbits, raccoons; verify ethics — choose certified-care cafes only), dog play cafes where you can interact with rescue or boarding dogs, the Yongsan Pet Park to see Korean dog culture, and the Korean Dog Show (autumn, Goyang). Pet-themed activities: 'Doggy Dating' Sundays at Han River parks where pet owners socialize their dogs. Most are free or low-cost. Raccoon and pet bunny cafes are controversial; international animal welfare groups have raised concerns about ethical care.
Pet travel tips
- Start RNATT process at least 6 months before travel; rabies blood test alone takes 4 weeks.
- For Seoul stays, choose hotels with pet acceptance (40+ in Seoul); call ahead to confirm.
- Kakao T Pet service rare — book 30 min ahead. Standard taxis refuse pet rides.
- Korean dog parks have height-tier systems — small/medium/large dog separate zones.
- Pet-friendly cafes typically charge ₩5,000-10,000 entrance + drink; pet menus exist.
- Yongsan Pet Park, Banpo Han River, Olympic Park are top free pet-friendly outdoor spaces.
How long does pet import take?
6 months minimum from microchip to clearance. Rabies blood test (RNATT) requires 4 weeks of post-vaccination wait. Korean embassies process visa-equivalent paperwork in 1-2 weeks. Plan early.
Can I visit Korea without a pet but enjoy pet culture?
Yes — Seoul has many animal cafes, pet plays, and seasonal pet events. Be selective about ethics; choose certified animal-care cafes and free outdoor parks rather than enclosed sanctuaries.
Are there pet-friendly hotels in Korea?
Yes — at least 40 hotels in Seoul accept pets, including some major chains. Search "pet-friendly" on Booking or Airbnb. Resort properties in Jeju and Pyeongchang are most pet-accepting.
What are the rules for dogs in public spaces?
Leash required everywhere. Many parks and most beaches allow leashed dogs. Public transit: small dogs in carriers OK on subway; medium/large dogs typically not allowed. Convenience stores welcome pets generally; major restaurants typically don't.