As the number of pet owners in South Korea surpasses 15 million and pets become established as family members, the criteria for choosing a home are also changing. Apartment complexes with green spaces, walking trails, and good accessibility to pet facilities are emerging as a new premium in the Seoul housing market, known as 'pet-friendly zones.'

On the 28th of last month, dogs wearing hanbok walked the runway at the "Dog Hanbok Fashion Show" held at the Mapo Pet Camping Site in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

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According to the real estate industry on October 8, the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements recently published empirical analysis results on the regional environmental characteristics influencing pet dog ownership in its academic journal "Territorial Research." This study, based on the 2022 Seoul Urban Policy Index Survey, highlighted the impact of pet dog ownership on the housing market.

Research results showed that women with higher education levels who live in apartments or owned homes are more likely to raise pet dogs. In particular, the likelihood of raising pets increased with higher average monthly household income.

The researchers explained, "The average monthly cost of raising a pet has increased by about 30,000 won from the previous year to 150,000 won per pet," adding, "The income level of pet owners is a key factor influencing whether or not they choose to raise pets."

This means that affluent high-income groups with purchasing power do not hesitate to raise pet dogs, and their housing selection criteria are forming a new market.

Apartment complexes with green spaces, walking trails, and easy access to pet facilities are emerging as a new premium in the Seoul housing market, known as 'pet-friendly zones.'

Research results showed that women with higher education levels who live in apartments or owned homes are more likely to own dogs. In particular, the likelihood of dog ownership increased with higher average monthly household income.

This means that affluent high-income groups with purchasing power are not hesitant to raise dogs, and their housing selection criteria are forming a new market.

However, as housing types become increasingly concentrated in apartment complexes, conflicts are also intensifying. With the rise in pet dog ownership within apartment complexes, complaints about noise between floors and dog bite incidents are becoming more frequent. In some complexes, access to shared spaces is even being restricted, deepening the divide between pet owners and non-pet owners.

The researchers pointed out, "As pet dog ownership increases in apartments, it is necessary to address conflicts not only through management regulations but also through the design of living spaces."

Regional environmental factors were also found to be a key determinant in choosing a residence. The likelihood of raising a pet dog was higher among those living in areas with high satisfaction in green environments and good accessibility to walking trails and open spaces.

Pet Expo "Mega Zoo" Held at Ilsan KINTEX Until the 17th

On the first day, the 15th, dogs accompanied by their owners at the exhibition hall at Ilsan KINTEX are looking around curiously while their owners choose dog clothes. Photo by Huh Younghan

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The researchers noted, "We confirmed that not only individual characteristics but also regional characteristics influence pet dog ownership," adding, "This study is significant in that it goes beyond previous research focused on parks and walking paths to include accessibility to pet-related facilities and satisfaction with the living environment, making it a 'lifestyle-oriented' analysis."

They further stated, "Expanding green spaces and walking infrastructure, as well as securing pet-friendly facilities within living areas, are key elements that go beyond simple welfare and enhance the quality of life for urban residents," and, "These findings can be used to establish spatial planning standards for the creation of pet-friendly cities in the future."

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