As South Korea grapples with declining birth rates and a rise in single-person households, international media are increasingly spotlighting the country’s evolving pet culture, particularly its treatment of dogs as family members. In an article titled “One of the Loneliest Countries Finds Companionship in Dogs,” The New York Times explored how South Korea’s relationship with dogs has shifted dramatically.
Once at the center of global debates surrounding its tradition of consuming dog meat, South Korea has now embraced pet ownership, especially dogs, as a central aspect of daily life. The article points out that more South Koreans are choosing to remain single and childless, with over two-fifths of households consisting of single individuals. Combined with one of the lowest birth rates globally, this shift has fueled a rise in pet adoptions, which accelerated during the pandemic as people spent more time indoors.
This growing bond between people and pets is changing the urban environment. As more families begin to treat their dogs like children, the country has seen an increase in animal hospitals and pet stores, while obstetric clinics are becoming less common.
The article also points to a growing trend in pet-related businesses, including travel services tailored for pets and pet funeral services. Furthermore, online platforms have emerged to help pet owners locate dog-friendly restaurants and resorts.
Finally, The New York Times highlighted the passage of a law earlier this year banning the breeding and slaughter of dogs for food, noting that the issue of pet dogs has become a “rare case of bipartisanship” in an increasingly politically polarized South Korea.
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