In the world’s lowest birthrate country, dog adoption rates have skyrocketed. With more and more South Koreans choosing pets over children, dogs are becoming central to family life. As the country’s birth rate continues to drop, economic pressures, high cost of living, and changing social attitudes all contribute to the growing trend of pet parenting. Sales of dog strollers now surpass those of baby strollers, reflecting a shift in how South Koreans view family and companionship.
The reasons are complex and reflect changes in the government, economy, and social expectations. Let’s break the reasons down below.
End of the Dog Meat Trade in South Korea
For centuries, dogs have been raised in South Korea for food. But, the country is actively working to shut down these dog farms and end the dog meat trade. As a result, many of the farm dogs are being adopted by people who want them as pets. The government is openly encouraging people to adopt these dogs and offering financial and logistical support to help the farmers transition away from the meat trade.
Raising Children is Expensive
In South Korea, like much of the world, the cost of raising children is high. From food and clothing to education and healthcare, the financial strain is great. For many young people, raising children just isn’t in the budget.
Dogs are more affordable to care for than children with fewer long-term financial responsibilities, making them an appealing option for those seeking companionship. The growing popularity of pets in general throughout the world has also helped, but the largest factor is the country’s economic pressures that influence young people’s choices.
Changing Attitudes Toward Family and Parenthood
The shift in priorities has been seen in younger generations across South Korea, where career success and personal achievement are now valued more highly than starting a family. Many have discovered that pets provide a similar emotional fulfillment as children without the social and financial pressures of parenthood. Pets now fill the role of children in many people’s lives. They’re viewed as family members, not just animals.
The Booming Pet Industry
In 2020, around 27.7% of households in South Korea had pets. In a 2024 study, the number grew to 38%, mostly dogs. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the pet industry in South Korea has seen a massive boom, growing around 14.5% each year. The pet food market alone grew by 71% from 2017 to 2022.
As pet ownership continues to rise, the South Korean pet care and products industry is thriving. From pet grooming and luxury pet products to pet insurance and veterinary care, the market is expanding rapidly. People are spending more money on their pets and treating them with the love and respect they deserve. The increased availability of pet products and services also makes it easier and more attractive to own a pet.
Changes in Media
In 2024 alone, media portrayals of dogs and their popularity have significantly increased. Bam, a red and tan Doberman Pinscher owned by BTS (Bangtan Boys) member Jungkook, has amassed millions of followers on both Instagram and YouTube since April. The Korean movie Dog Days grossed about $2.7 million. A popular show, A Good Day to Be a Dog, aired from October 2023 to January 2024 and gained a 7.2/10 rating on IMDB.
These examples represent just a small sampling of the increasing media presence of dogs in South Korea. This shift has played a significant role in transforming the cultural perception of dogs, moving them from being viewed as food or status symbols to being cherished companions. Television shows, movies, and even social media influencers now portray dogs as loyal, loving family members.
All these changes have pushed more South Koreans toward adopting dogs and treating them as a part of the family.
South Korea Goes to the Dogs
South Korea’s increasing dog adoption rate shows a big shift in how people view pets and family. The country’s already low birth rate, high cost of raising children, and changing social attitudes are driving many young people to choose pets over starting families.
With the end of the dog meat industry, many dogs are now being adopted by people who want them as pets. And, the government is encouraging this along with supporting farmers who have to give up their dog meat trade. Media portrayals of dogs are also on the rise with social media figures, TV shows, and movies helping to change how dogs are viewed.
With more people adopting dogs and spending money on pet care, it’s clear that pets will continue to play a significant role in South Korean life. This growing connection between people and pets marks a new chapter in South Korea’s relationship with dogs.