4500 Won 'Mungjjonkku' Caught My Eye for Its Price... "It's a Dog Menu" [Pet & Life]

#A pet dining restaurant in Songpa-gu, Seoul. A dog, seated in a special chair resembling a high chair for infants, occupies a spot at the table. The staff hands over the menu and naturally says, "There is a separate menu for dogs." Shortly after, a Chinese course meal for the dog is served at the table. The course begins with floral tea to whet the appetite, followed by jajang rice, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup, and traditional Japanese-style desserts. Encountering dogs at restaurants has become a familiar scene.

The era where "dining out with dogs" is commonplace has arrived. Until now, restaurants in principle restricted animal entry due to hygiene and safety concerns. However, starting this month, if certain requirements are met and the owner separates the space, it is now possible to legally operate a restaurant that allows companion animals.

'Mungjjonkku' sold at Pet Dining Mamma located in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Provided by Mamma.

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According to the industry as of the 6th, companion animals (limited to dogs and cats) have been legally allowed to enter restaurants with their owners since March 1. The revised Enforcement Rules of the Food Sanitation Act state that "businesses that meet the facility standards for allowing companion animals may, at the owner's discretion, operate with companion animals without having to separate or compartmentalize the space from facilities used for other business purposes." In other words, if certain standards are met, restaurant owners can choose to operate with companion animals.

Photo of Pet Dining "Patted" located in Gangnam, Seoul from SNS. Provided by Patted.

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While the threshold has been lowered, the requirements remain strict. At the entrance, restaurants must clearly state that vaccinated companion animals are permitted. Upon entry, vaccination certificates or booklets must be presented to verify vaccination status.

Inside the restaurant, there must be enough distance between tables to prevent contact between companion animals and other guests or pets. Movement within the premises is generally prohibited. To ensure this, restaurants must provide at least one of the following: dedicated chairs, cages, leash holders, or a separate exclusive area.

Fences or similar barriers must be installed around food handling facilities such as kitchens and ingredient storage to completely block access by companion animals. Separate and clearly marked dishes for pets and waste bins for pet waste are also required. Food displays and service areas must have covers to prevent fur from contaminating food, and regular ventilation or use of air purifiers is also mandated.

Penalties for violations are clearly defined. If a companion animal enters a food handling area or if movement restrictions inside the premises are violated, the business will be suspended for five days on the first offense, ten days on the second, and twenty days on the third. Other violations are subject to a first warning, five-day suspension for the second violation, and ten-day suspension for the third. Not all restaurants are required to accept dogs, but establishments with demand now have a legal path to operate accordingly.

Western-style course at Pet Dining Mamma located in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Courtesy of Mamma.

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The increase in "pet family" households, who treat their companion animals as family members, is driving changes in the dining-out market. The trend is moving beyond simply allowing pets to enter; it’s about "shared experiences" in consumption. Restaurants are evolving into spaces that not only serve owners but also welcome their pets as guests.

Across Seoul and the metropolitan area, more cafes and restaurants are displaying "pet-friendly" signs. Some establishments require reservations. Upscaling is also evident. In the Gangnam area, restaurants that promote themselves as fine dining for dogs have appeared. These offer small course meals for dogs alongside dishes for humans, always following low-sodium and fragrance-free principles and excluding allergenic ingredients.

One pet dining restaurant in Songpa-gu offers Korean, Western, Japanese, and Chinese course meals. The Western course includes mushroom soup, steak, and mini tiramisu, priced at 27,000 to 29,000 won. Popular items also include the "Mampuccino" (3,000 won), made with lactose-free milk; the "Croissant" (3,000 won), made with rice flour and egg yolk; "Mungjjonkku" (4,500 won), a dog treat inspired by Dubai-style chewy cookies; and a pork cutlet set (18,000 won).

This restaurant also hosts dog birthday parties, accepting only one reservation per day for a private celebration. The basic setup for a "dog birthday table," decorated with balloons, garlands, and dedicated plates and utensils, costs 30,000 won. Cakes and course meals must be ordered separately. Among pet owners, celebrating a dog's birthday has become a natural part of daily life.

Another pet dining establishment in Gangnam offers an even wider selection. Options include aglio e olio spaghetti (10,000 won), milky cream risotto (10,000 won), and steak courses (28,000 won). The steak course includes soup, steak, and tiramisu. For soup, customers can choose from tomato chicken breast and egg yolk pollack, oatmeal apple pork, or pumpkin.

An industry insider commented, "Spending on companion animals is relatively insensitive to economic fluctuations," adding, "The market is expanding from food, apparel, and grooming to dining out."

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Major franchises are joining the trend. Starbucks, for instance, has operated two pet-friendly indoor locations-the Bukhan River R branch and the Guri Galmae DT branch-since 2022 and 2024, respectively, under regulatory sandbox approval. These two stores have welcomed over two million visitors. Hollys Coffee is also operating two pet-friendly outlets: the Gongdeok Gyeonguiseon Forest Trail branch and the Dasan Jiwon branch.

MFG Korea’s Mad For Garlic opened its second "With Pet" branch at Anseong Starfield on February 24. The first branch was previously launched at Starfield Market Gyeongsan. At Anseong Starfield, 28 out of 146 seats are designated as a "pet zone" exclusively for customers with companion animals, completely separated from the general customer area. Every table features a premium leather leash holder, and the walls are decorated with dog and cat illustrations. Only dogs or cats under 5kg that have been vaccinated against rabies are allowed entry.

‘With Pet’ Branch No. 2 Mad For Garlic Anseong Starfield Store. Provided by MFG Korea.

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There are also multi-purpose shopping malls such as Starfield and Yeouido IFC Mall that allow dogs to enter. Starfield is expanding amenities for customers with pets, providing dedicated stroller rentals for pets under 15kg and offering pet-friendly elevators and indoor rest areas throughout the mall.

At the Hanam, Goyang, Anseong, and Suwon branches, "pet parks" with natural grass lawns have been created, complete with drinking fountains and foot-washing stations for relaxing with pets. However, food courts remain off-limits. At IFC Mall, dogs under 10kg who have completed rabies vaccinations may enter if they are in a carrier, stroller, or on a leash; however, the L3 F&B outlets do not allow pets. In these shopping centers, leashed dogs are allowed to walk with their owners inside the mall.

Department stores are also loosening their entry regulations. Lotte Department Store, which previously required pet strollers to be covered, now allows owners to leave the cover open at their discretion, except in areas where there are safety concerns or narrow walkways. Additionally, Lotte Department Store plans to enhance customer convenience by introducing dedicated pet strollers, "Petmocha," at all 49 locations nationwide.

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