Hotels are moving past “pets allowed” — now competing with luxe, dog‑centric getaways
Chosun, Lotte, Conrad and others roll out dedicated rooms and curated programs
Guests stroll fairways with their dogs…golf courses turn into pet‑picnic playgrounds
Legal and market shifts widen the base — a 2032 market projected at 21 trillion KRW (approximately $15.75 billion USD)
Chosun, Lotte, Conrad and others roll out dedicated rooms and curated programs
Guests stroll fairways with their dogs…golf courses turn into pet‑picnic playgrounds
Legal and market shifts widen the base — a 2032 market projected at 21 trillion KRW (approximately $15.75 billion USD)
With peak summer still ahead, people are flocking outdoors for quick escapes. This spring has seen a clear spike in demand for “pet‑picnics” — vacations and day trips centered on bringing your dog along. A few years ago, travelers arranged pet care before they left; now they hunt for hotels and cafés built for two‑paws seating. The Korea Tourism Organization reports that the share of overnight travelers bringing pets rose from 53% in 2022 to 60.4% in 2024. Hotels are responding by moving beyond mere “pets allowed” policies and launching packages that put pups in the spotlight. 
On the 21st, travel industry sources reported that bookings for Signiel Busan’s “Me & My Pet” pet‑only rooms, run by Lotte Hotel & Resort, jumped more than 60% year‑over‑year in Q4 2025. Lotte says adoption was slow at first, but as more guests traveled with dogs, the package sold out in that quarter. Lotte’s premium Jeju resort, Art Villas Jeju, also saw a 10% increase in annual sales of its dog‑friendly “Play & Rest” package in 2025. Multi‑night guests can join a fairway walk with their dogs at Lotte Skyhill CC Jeju — an experience that’s become a hit among pet parents seeking restorative trips amid Jeju’s wide natural scenery. Dog‑friendly rounds at Lotte Skyhill CC Jeju rose from seven to 11 bookings in Q1 this year. Lotte Hotel Gimhae in South Gyeongsang Province is differentiating itself with an outdoor pet playground and a pet glamping area, creating specialized experiences for animal lovers.
The pet‑picnic trend is also reshaping how guests spend on rooms. Chosun Hotel & Resort reports that this year, 100% of guests traveling with dogs chose pet packages over standard rooms. While standard rooms that accept pets still exist, travelers overwhelmingly prefer packages with curated amenities and thoughtful layouts. Many guests also opt for in‑room dining at breakfast instead of moving to lounges or restaurants, driving sales of pet goods and amenities. 
A Chosun Hotel & Resort representative said, “Pet‑travel guests choose based on experience quality — amenities and dedicated rooms. They’re far more loyal than guests who simply bring a pet.” At The Leescape Hotel, Chosun converted the entire ninth floor into pet‑only rooms and offers pet skincare brand Lapouclere products, Le Creuset pet dishes, and AirBuggy pet stroller rentals. Seoul Dragon City’s Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel & Residences in Yongsan also runs a dedicated dog floor. Partnering with pet furniture brand Nar, the hotel’s “pet rooms” include dog‑sized furniture and tableware, a pet elevator, and an outdoor walking area called “The Garden,” with carefully planned guest flow.
Hotels are accelerating upgrades to pet amenities and programs. Signiel Busan added a pet mattress from sleep brand Simmons this year — the first in Korea’s bedding industry to earn three pet‑safety certifications. The hotel also offers welcome gifts such as cakes engraved with the dog’s name and pet pajamas, and suites include a pet drying room. On World Puppy Day (March 23), Signiel hosted partner booths from Lapouclere and pet‑goods brand Ricarica and ran pet‑care experience events for guests and their dogs.
Pet offerings at hotels have evolved into full‑day wellness routines. These programs let owners and dogs walk, recover and rejuvenate without leaving the property. Conrad Seoul launched “2026 Pet Maison,” a five‑stage experience — play, grooming, wellness care, rest and dining — that serves dogs from check‑in through check‑out. Highlights include a relaxing care kit developed with pet‑care brand Hurley, nourishing porridge for dogs, hinoki (cypress) baths, and dog‑only treadmills and gym balls — all designed with the dog’s condition as the priority.
Regulatory shifts have also helped pet‑picnics spread. Since March, revised food sanitation rules have legalized restaurants that admit pets, expanding urban outing options. Pet‑friendly spots are popping up across the country, from Yangyang’s dog‑only beach “Mung Beach” to pet hiking trails along the Hantan River in Pocheon and free dog‑care services at Suncheonman National Garden. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs projects the domestic pet market will grow to 21 trillion KRW by 2032 (approximately $15.75 billion USD). What once felt like a dream — traveling with your dog — is now a mainstream travel product.
A travel industry insider said, “Where once allowing dogs was a point of differentiation, hotels now need programs, products and wellness experiences for dogs to win customers. The competition has shifted from simple permission to designing a dog’s entire day.”
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