Pocheon's Hantangang, a UNESCO Global Geopark, is reinventing itself as a pet-friendly destination and leaning into longer-stay tourism.
Officials are trying to move beyond quick sightseeing trips and build experiences that encourage visitors to stay with their dogs and support local businesses.
The city announced on April 26 that it will host \"Pocheon PetStar: Spring Edition\" May 2–3 at the main stage area of the Hantangang Ecological Landscape Complex.
The event ties into the Hantangang Spring Garden Festa and features interactive programs designed for pet owners and non-pet owners alike.
The highlight on day one is the \"Hantangang Dangdang Trekking.\" After pre-registration, 140 teams (two waves of 70) will take a roughly 2.5 km (about 1.6-mile) loop from the ecological complex around Bidulginang Falls.
The path is gentle and lined with striking columnar basalt formations, making it an easy, scenic walk for people and their dogs.
Attendees can also join hands-on activities like \"Large Dog Guide LIVE\" and a Dog Olympics. Day two includes a pet-friendly \"Petness Yoga\" class plus dog dance and freestyle performances.
Animal behavior expert Lee Woong-jong will be on site to offer practical tips on etiquette and safety.
The city is focused on turning tourism into local spending through events like this.
With the \"Run, Pocheon Dangdang Bus\" shuttle program, officials hope to extend visitor routes into nearby villages and commercial districts.
Cafés and restaurants that welcome dogs have been popping up around Hantangang, and organizers expect the festival will naturally funnel visitors into those local spots afterward.
There are programs for non-pet owners too: pet-culture education for kids and family-friendly acts like Puppy Kids Magic and a bubble show aim to promote responsible pet behavior in public spaces.
Hwang Dong-min, head of the Culture and Tourism Department, said, \"We will keep expanding content that encourages longer stays and local spending.\"
