Free canine hotels: Gangnam District's answer to Chuseok pet separation anxiety
When millions of Koreans take to the highways for Chuseok, the nation's autumn harvest festival — returning to their ancestral hometowns to perform traditional rites and share elaborate feasts with family — they typically face three major anxieties: gridlocked traffic, probing questions from relatives and deciding what to do with the dog. For residents of Gangnam District, the popular upscale…
As millions of Koreans embark on journeys to their ancestral hometowns during Chuseok, the annual autumn harvest festival, they often encounter three primary concerns: congested roads, curious relatives, and the well-being of their furry companions. In the upscale Gangnam District, situated south of the Han River, local authorities have taken notice of the canine predicament and are implementing a solution.
The district's officials announced plans to operate a complimentary dog care shelter program throughout the upcoming holiday, accommodating up to five days of lodging for 50 qualifying dogs between September 23 and October 5. Gangnam boasts the highest concentration of registered pets in Seoul, with approximately 47,000 registered animals.
The rise in pet ownership, driven by decreasing birthrates, has elevated dogs to near-human status in many households. However, during major holidays, when city dwellers migrate to their ancestral homes, the challenge of ensuring their pets' care becomes increasingly prevalent.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
