Traveling with pets

Dogs and cats can enter if they meet quarantine requirements. You need a government-issued health certificate from the exporting country and a microchip, and depending on factors such as rabies status in the departure country, proof of rabies vaccination and an antibody test may be required. Incomplete certificates can lead to quarantine holding, and pets without one may be sent back, so check the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency's guidance.

At the animal quarantine counter of the airport or seaport where you arrive, officials check documents and your pet's condition. A traveler bringing a single pet does not need to notify in advance; you declare it at the quarantine counter after arrival. Missing documents can delay entry or result in your pet being held, so check counter hours too.

On the Seoul subway and others, small pets are allowed if they stay inside a carrier and do not come out. Bringing a dog on just a leash is not permitted. Avoid rush hour so your pet does not bother other passengers, and keep the carrier on your lap or at your feet.

Under Korail's terms, vaccinated pets can travel on the KTX and other trains inside a pet bag or carrier, as long as they do not endanger or disturb other passengers. Staff can intervene if the animal causes trouble. Check the rail operator's official rules for the latest details before booking.

Regular taxi drivers can decline pets at their discretion. Keeping your pet in a carrier usually helps, but it is best to ask before getting in. Some companies offer pet taxis or ride-hailing options specifically for traveling with animals. A blanket under the carrier helps keep the car clean.

Use the pet-friendly filter on booking apps. Even when pets are allowed, rules on size, number of animals and extra fees differ by property, so read the details carefully. Some pensions and glamping sites have special facilities for dogs, like fenced play areas.

More cafés and restaurants welcome pets, but many still refuse them for hygiene reasons. Pet-friendly places often note it at the entrance or in their map listing. Always check with staff before going inside with your dog. Even where allowed, carriers or leashes may be required.

Most parks allow leashed dogs, though some parks or facilities restrict them. By law, dogs must be leashed or otherwise secured in public and owners must pick up feces immediately; urine must be cleaned in certain places such as shared spaces. Some parks have off-leash dog playgrounds where your pet can run freely.

Yes. In public places, leashes must be kept within a set maximum length. Dogs legally classified as dangerous breeds must, from three months of age, wear a leash and muzzle or travel in an escape-proof carrier when outside. Fines vary by type of violation, so check the official rules for the exact requirements.

Airlines differ on cabin weight limits, carrier sizes and rules for pets in the hold. Some airlines restrict short-nosed breeds because of breathing risks. Pet spaces on each flight are limited, so book your pet's spot together with your ticket as early as possible.

Cities have many animal hospitals that are easy to find in map apps, and some are open 24 hours. English ability varies, so keep a translation app ready. Bringing your pet's vaccination records and medication list helps the vet treat them quickly.

Some parks, certain beaches and dog-dedicated theme parks welcome pets. Cultural sites like palaces and museums generally do not allow animals. The Korea Tourism Organization and other sources provide information on pet-friendly travel that can help with planning. Always confirm before you go.

There is no known nationwide rule banning pets from beaches during the swimming season; access and swimming limits depend on local ordinances and each beach's rules. Some areas run designated dog-friendly beaches, so check local announcements and signs on site. Keep your dog leashed and clean up after it, and avoid hot midday sand.

Yes. When taking a pet from Korea to another country, you need a health certificate meeting the destination's requirements. You get export clearance at the airport animal quarantine counter, and preparing documents can take time. Check the destination country's rules well in advance.

Dogs aged two months and older must be registered with the local government, and the law makes no exception based on nationality. How this applies to short-term visitors' pets in practice is best confirmed with the local government. Either way, a microchip is needed for entry quarantine, so prepare it before you travel.

Supermarkets, pet stores and online shops sell food, waste bags and pads. Your pet's usual food may not be available, so bring enough for the trip if possible. Pet food containing animal ingredients is subject to quarantine, and whether it is allowed depends on ingredients and origin, so check with the quarantine agency before packing.

Domestic flights to Jeju and some ferries carry pets according to their own rules. Airlines differ on advance requests, approval and carrier size and weight limits, and each ferry company has its own terms, so check before booking. Jeju also has a number of pet-friendly accommodations and cafés.

Bring waste bags on walks and pick up feces immediately; failing to do so can result in a fine. Urine must be cleaned up in certain places set by law, such as shared spaces, so carry tissues and water. Dispose of bags with general trash, and if there is no bin in the park, carry them back to your accommodation.

Cats are sensitive to change, so get them used to the carrier before the trip. Check that your accommodation accepts cats specifically, since some pet-friendly places allow only dogs. Bringing familiar litter and supplies helps your cat settle in. A familiar blanket can also reduce stress.

Keep your leash short in public and do not let your pet approach strangers. Some people in Korea are afraid of dogs, so let others go first in elevators or narrow paths. Excessive barking can lead to complaints at accommodations or on public transport.