Ulsan City Paves the Way as South Korea’s First ‘Pet-Friendly Tourist City’
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Ulsan is rapidly becoming a haven for travelers with four-legged companions, investing 2 billion won through 2026 to cultivate a welcoming environment for both people and their pets.
Ulsan City was the first metropolitan organization in South Korea to be selected for the “Pet-Friendly Tourist City” contest, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2023. This designation has spurred a wave of innovative programs and infrastructure improvements designed to cater to the growing demand for pet-inclusive travel experiences.
A New Paradigm in Tourism
According to a city official, creating a pet-friendly tourist city represents “a paradigm shift in tourism culture,” and Ulsan is committed to leading the charge. The city’s strategy focuses on enhancing existing tourism infrastructure – including accommodations, dining, transportation, and attractions – to accommodate pets seamlessly.
Unique Experiences for Pets and Owners
Ulsan is rolling out a diverse range of experiences tailored to pet owners. “Mission Possible Ulsan” offers guided walking tours through the region’s stunning natural landscapes, allowing pets to explore alongside their owners. Unique healing tourism opportunities combine pets and nature, such as visits to strawberry and pear flower farms.
Beyond walking tours, Ulsan provides convenient transportation options. Travelers can now access major tourist attractions via a dedicated ‘pet tour taxi’ and a specialized city tour bus. For ocean enthusiasts, whale cruises in the East Sea now welcome furry first mates, offering the chance to search for whales alongside your pet.
Pioneering Pet-Friendly Events
This year marked the inaugural ‘Ulsan Beach Dog Splash’, a pet beach festival co-hosted with the Korea Tourism Organization. The event proved immensely popular, demonstrating the strong demand for pet-inclusive recreational activities. The city also operated the Jangsaengpo ‘Whale Sea Tour Ship’ from 2023 to 2024 and the ‘Dang Daeng Train’ tourist train, which included a special two-day excursion to Ganjeolgot Sunrise for Christmas 2023.
Addressing Accommodation Needs and Fostering Innovation
Recognizing a shortage of pet-friendly lodging, Ulsan City provided financial support last year to four local establishments to improve their pet facilities. To further expand the range of offerings, the city plans to host an idea contest this month, seeking creative tourism products that leverage Ulsan’s unique local characteristics.
Ulsan’s commitment to becoming a leading pet-friendly destination signals a broader shift in the tourism industry, recognizing the growing importance of catering to travelers who consider their pets part of the family.
