"Happy to Meet Again": Gyeonggi Province Successfully Holds Banryeomaru Hwaseong Homecoming Day

Gyeonggi Province Brings Together 300 Pet-Owning Families for Connection
Expressing Gratitude to Adopters and Raising Awareness for Stray Animals
Fostering a Mature Pet Culture and Strengthening Bonds Among Adoptive Families

On October 18, Gyeonggi Province held the "2025 Banryeomaru Hwaseong Homecoming Day (Autumn Sports Day)" at Banryeomaru Hwaseong, bringing together approximately 300 pet-owning families for a time of communication and connection.

Homecoming Day event at Banryeomaru Hwaseong. Photo by Gyeonggi Province

This event was organized as a gathering for families who adopted stray animals through Banryeomaru Hwaseong and the Gyeonggi-do Pet Adoption Center, as well as pet owners from across the province, to foster interaction and bonding.

Celebrating its 11th year, "Homecoming Day" is held annually with the aim of strengthening the bonds between adoptive families and spreading a healthy pet culture. Through a variety of hands-on programs with pets, the event helps to raise positive awareness about stray animal protection and adoption, contributing to the development of a mature pet culture.

More than 100 families who adopted dogs participated and were divided into blue and white teams to compete in the "Maru Blue-White Match," which included relay races, waiting games, and newspaper folding, enjoying the sports day together. In addition, a range of programs was offered for families who adopted cats, such as family photo shoots, a one-day class on making pet moisturizing balm, before-and-after adoption photo contests, training and veterinary consultations, hygiene grooming, a walking trail stamp tour, and a treasure hunt.

Participants freely joined the programs through both pre-registration and on-site sign-ups. In particular, the "pet moisturizing balm making" class allowed both dog and cat owners to participate together and gain practical information for daily life.

The family photo shoot was conducted as a talent donation by a photographer, and grooming services at Banryeomaru were provided by the volunteer group "Riru," adding further meaning to the event. The before-and-after adoption photo exhibition, which featured photos submitted directly by adopters, also received a positive response.

One adopter, Kim Minkyeong, who participated in the event, said, "I am grateful that I was able to create wonderful memories with my dog."

Byun Heejeong, head of Gyeonggi Province's Pet Animal Division, stated, "Homecoming Day is more than just an event; it serves as a meaningful opportunity for adoptive families to reunite, share their stories, and promote the right pet culture." She added, "We will continue to work towards making Gyeonggi Province a place where residents and pets can be happy together, with Banryeomaru at the center."

Meanwhile, during this year alone, 513 stray animals found new families and were adopted through Gyeonggi Province's Banryeomaru centers in Yeoju and Hwaseong.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.