Travel Basics
Pet Travel & Quarantine
Strict quarantine rules (Microchip, RNATT) and finding pet-friendly transport.
Bringing a dog or cat to Korea is possible but the quarantine paperwork is stricter than many countries. One missing document can mean days of quarantine at the airport. Start preparing at least 6 months in advance.
1. Required pre-arrival documents
Mandatory items for pet entry to Korea
- ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785) — implanted in the pet
- RNATT (Rabies-Neutralizing Antibody Titer Test) certificate — between 30 days and 24 months prior
- Rabies vaccination certificate — between 30 days and 12 months prior
- Official health certificate by a government-approved vet — within 10 days of travel
A microchip is a rice-sized chip implanted under the pet's skin — once-in-a-lifetime, lasts forever. It must be ISO standard. Your home country vet can do this for around USD 35~70.
The RNATT (rabies antibody titer test) measures whether your pet has sufficient rabies immunity. This is the longest step. Vaccine → 30 days → blood draw → results: roughly 3~4 months. Start at least 6 months before your Korea trip.
Airline pet policies (major carriers)
| Airline | Cabin | Cargo | Cost (one-way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korean Air | Up to 7kg (incl. carrier) | Up to 32kg (large dog) | ~200,000 KRW cabin, ~300,000~500,000 KRW cargo |
| Asiana Airlines | Up to 7kg | Up to 45kg | ~200,000 KRW cabin, ~350,000 KRW cargo |
| Delta / United (US) | Up to 8kg | Large dogs OK | ~USD 200~300 |
| Japanese (JAL/ANA) | Cabin not allowed, cargo only | Up to 32kg | ~25,000 JPY |
Tip: Carrier dimensions
Cabin-allowed carriers are typically max 50 × 25 × 35 cm and the pet + carrier under 7 kg. Verify exact specs on your airline site, and book pet-in-cabin separately 1~2 weeks ahead (it's not part of seat booking).
Watch out: Missing paperwork = airport quarantine
If any document is missing or dates don't align, your pet is held at Incheon Animal Quarantine. Days to weeks possible, costs ~50,000 KRW per day, on you. Don't leave anything to chance.
[Animal quarantine booth at Incheon arrivals]
2. At the quarantine booth
After clearing regular immigration, head to the Animal Quarantine booth with your 4 documents. The officer scans the microchip and matches it against the paperwork. If everything aligns, you're cleared in 30 min ~ 1 hour.
Tip: Check the quarantine site before departure
qia.go.kr (English available) lists exact procedures by departure country. US, Canada, Japan are simpler; some Southeast Asian, South American, African countries have stricter steps.
3. Around Seoul with a pet
Seoul has many pet-friendly cafes, restaurants, and parks. Hangang Park, Seoul Forest, and Olympic Park are great for dog walks. Not every outdoor space allows pets, though — some parks have no-go zones.
Leashes and muzzles required by law
Outdoors, dogs must be leashed at all times — fines up to 200,000 KRW for violations. Five designated dangerous breeds (Tosa, Rottweiler, Pit Bull, etc.) must wear muzzles by law.
4. Kakao T Pet — pet-friendly taxis
Regular Korean taxis can refuse pets (especially medium / large dogs). "Kakao T Pet" exists for this — choose the "Pet" tab in Kakao T to call a vehicle that accepts pets. Cost is 30~50% more than regular taxi but no rejection risk.
Pet-friendly hotspots (Seoul)
- Hangang Parks — Jamwon, Banpo, Ttukseom, Yeouido all OK
- Seoul Forest — popular among dog owners
- Yeonnam-dong pet cafe alley — most cafes allow pets
- Itaewon pet-friendly restaurant strip
5. Pet hotels — Korean hotels rarely allow pets
Most Korean hotels don't allow pets (a few luxury exceptions). Korea has separate "pet hotels" for boarding while you stay at a regular hotel. 40,000~100,000 KRW per night.
How to book a pet hotel
- Search "Gangnam pet hotel" or "Hongdae pet hotel" on Naver — check ratings and reviews
- Book via KakaoTalk channel or Instagram DM (most accept English)
- Send in advance — rabies certificate, feeding amounts
- On check-in — bring 1 week of your pet's food
- Popular: Puppy Bro, The Pet Hotel, Petsbe (Gangnam, Hongdae, Jamsil)
6. Emergency — Korean vet hospitals
Korean vet hospitals are well-equipped and reasonably priced. For emergencies, head to a 24-hour vet.
Seoul 24-hour vet hospitals (foreigner-friendly)
- Seoul National University Vet Hospital — 02-880-1248 (Gwanak-gu)
- Cheongdam Woori Animal Hospital — 24h ER, Gangnam (02-3445-7575)
- iVET (Apgujeong main branch) — English charts available
- Signiel Animal Medical Center 24h — Jamsil
- In an emergency, call Kakao T Pet → enter the hospital address
Tip: Bringing pet food and treats
Processed pet food (dry, canned) is allowed in Korea — 1~2 weeks of personal-pet supply is duty-free. Raw or homemade food is confiscated by customs. Korea has Petsmart, CocoPet Store and similar shops carrying foreign brands.
7. Next steps
Pet-friendly destinations across Korea
PET travel code shows every pet-friendly place across the country.
Build a pet-friendly itinerary
Check "pet-friendly" in the planner and only pet-OK places are picked.