Seoul invites 500 dog families to walk the Han River at autumn festival

Seoul is set to welcome 500 dog families to participate in the city's annual Animal Happiness Festa, a festival aimed at promoting the well-being of pets. The event, scheduled for October 17 and 18, will see the dogs and their owners embark on a 4-kilometer walk along the scenic Han River. The festival organizers announced on Tuesday that the third edition of the event will take place at the plaza in front of Mulbit Stage in Yeouido Hangang Park.

Interested participants can apply for the Animal Happiness Run by visiting the festival's official website starting September 2nd. Admission to the event is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The highlight of the event will be a 10:30 a.m. to noon walk along the river, with 500 teams of dogs and their families participating together. Each participant will receive commemorative gifts as a token of appreciation for taking part in the festival. Additionally, the event will feature a talk by veterinarian Seol Chae-hyun, a well-known animal behavior specialist. Dr. Seol will share insights on dogs' behavior, health, and the bond between pets and their owners.

A special feature of the festival will be the "Second Chance in Life" showcase, which provides adopted dogs with a platform to shine. These dogs, who may have faced abandonment or abuse in their past, will join their families to participate in the event. The festival organizers have set aside 80 spots for teams affected by this special showcase, offering them a chance to experience a positive and celebratory event.