The sad truth: the big city isn't always the friendliest to our furry friends. Year after year city folk pick up a little fuzz ball from a pet shop, not expecting the huge responsibility that comes with the already hefty price tag. Taking care of a dog can turn into a financial burden to many, with the cost of kibble and necessary vaccines being what they are. Sometimes the novelty of a new puppy can get old quickly leading people to grow annoyed. A couple who become pregnant or just welcomed a new baby may choose to get rid of their dog because of silly superstitions, and the stories go on. As developed as the country is, Korea doesn't have much of a system for its pets. But it looks like they're trying to turn that around.

To combat abandonment, the government enacted a new system last year requiring all pet owners to register dogs via microchip, or face a fine of up to 400,000 won. When you think about it, there's not real way to see if one's pet is chipped or not, so the government played the incentive card. 

Introducing the local dog park located in the World Cup park. Open nine months out of the year, the off-leash, completely fenced, all-dog park is available for free to all microchipped pups!

We got Captain chipped at by our vet a few months ago. The main reason being it was required should he ever leave and then return to Korea. The second reason being we would absolutely lose it if he ever got lost! He got an official document and a registration card out of it.

It's only been open for a year but it's been a real hit! People travel across the city to let their dogs to run around and make puppy friends without being forced to pay for an overpriced coffee at a dog cafe or having to take notice of people around who might not enjoy your dog's company as much as you do. It's the best day ever for Captain whenever we go. So many tails to chase and butts to sniff!

Upon entering, you're asked for your dog's registration card. If you forgot it at home, they have scanners on hand to check if he's been chipped. There's really no getting around that rule. Then you pencil in your and your dog's information into a little book, and you're all set. So simple! Also, you're not allowed to enter the park without a chipped dog. 

I heard that they have special events on certain weekends where vets set up stations to chip your pet on the spot and centers bring dogs out for adoption. 

The park is split into two with a space for small dogs under 40 cm and a separate space for those over. I like sneaking Captain to the 40 cm and over section cause of all the interesting dogs different people bring in. There've been a handful of Jindos, Airedale Terriers, a few Dalmatians, and the other day, even an Afghan Hound.

The park was blanketed with lush grass just a year ago when it first opened, but I guess maintenance budget wasn't very high this time around. You can view it as a plus: less grass bugs and easier to spot the poop. Not to mention your pup won't be muddy at the end of play. He'll definitely be sandy, though. Like I mentioned, the park is free to all chipped dog owners. All they ask is that if he poops that you scoop!

Food for thought: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated" 

--Mahatma Gandhi

Pets are always a long-term commitment. You're the only family they're got.

World Cup Park Dog Playground 월드컵공원 반려견 놀이터

Seoul, Mapo-gu, Sungsan-dong, Nanjidogil 45-1

서울특별시 마포구 성산동 난지도길 45-1