{
  "id": 3177690,
  "title": "Seoul invites 500 dog families to walk the Han River at autumn festival",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/seoul-invites-500-dog-families-to-walk-the-han-river-at-autumn",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-25T03:32:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20260825/seoul-invites-500-dog-families-to-walk-the-han-river-at-autumn-festival"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Seoul is set to host 500 dog and human families for a 4-kilometer walk along the Han River as part of its annual Animal Happiness Festa in October. The third edition of the festival will be held on October 17 and 18 at the Yeouido Hangang Park plaza in front of the Mulbit Stage. Interested participants can apply starting September 2 via the festival's official website, with places granted on a first-come, first-served basis.\n\nThe main event on October 17 will see 500 teams take a joint stroll along the river, beginning at 10:30 a.m. and concluding at noon. Those who partake will receive commemorative gifts. The festival's lineup also includes a presentation from veterinarian Seol Chae-hyun, an esteemed expert in animal behavior. She will speak on various topics, including canine health, behavior, and the bond between pets and their owners.\n\nIn addition, the festival will spotlight \"Second Chance in Life\" dogs, adopted animals that have faced abandonment or abuse, giving them a platform to shine alongside their families. A total of 80 such teams will be accepted for this special program.",
  "summary": "Seoul is inviting 500 teams of dogs and their families to trade the city’s streets for a 4-kilometer walk along the Han River as its annual Animal Happiness Festa returns in October. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday that the third annual festival will take place Oct. 17 and 18 at the plaza in front of Mulbit Stage at Yeouido Hangang Park. Applications for the Animal Happiness Run…",
  "key_points": [
    "500 dog families invited to walk Han River in October festival.",
    "Event held on October 17-18 at Yeouido Hangang Park plaza.",
    "Veterinarian Seol Chae-hyun to speak on pet health and bonding."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Seoul's Animal Happiness Festa offers a unique chance for dog owners to bond with their pets and support adopted animals, highlighting the city's focus on animal welfare and human-animal relationships.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Seoul's bridge festival returns for eight Sundays of autumn fun",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/seouls-bridge-festival-returns-for-eight-sundays-of-autumn-fun",
        "published": "2026-08-25T03:32:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}