'Oneureun 1004' pop-up runs Friday through Monday in Seongsu-dong to mark Animal Protection Day

Visitors can find their ideal pet via PET-BTI quiz, try virtual adoption and registration, and consult on adopting shelter animals

'Dog-speak and cat-speak' quizzes, Heimlich maneuver practice and a meet-and-greet with national service animals also on offer

A poster for the second Animal Protection Day commemorative pop-up store [Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs]
A poster for the second Animal Protection Day commemorative pop-up store [Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs]

A pop-up space in Seoul's Seongsu-dong will let visitors find their ideal companion animal, complete a virtual adoption and go through the animal registration process. Attendees can also learn how to report lost or abandoned animals, practice the Heimlich maneuver for pet emergencies, and receive adoption counseling for animals currently living in shelters.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced Sunday that it will run the second Animal Protection Day commemorative pop-up store, "Oneureun 1004" (Today Is 1004), at The Garbe in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, for four days starting Friday.

Animal Protection Day falls on Oct. 4. The ministry organized the pop-up — now in its second year — to give the general public an accessible, hands-on introduction to animal welfare policy.

On the first floor, in a zone called "Meet the Animals," visitors can take the "PET-BTI" quiz, which matches them with a companion animal based on their living conditions and lifestyle. Those who complete the quiz can then go through a simulated adoption and registration for their matched animal.

Real shelter animals will also be on hand. In the first-floor adoption counseling zone, visitors can interact with animals from shelters in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, and Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, and receive adoption guidance. Outside in the courtyard, national service animals will be available to meet.

The second floor focuses on real-life situations pet owners may encounter. Visitors can learn the rescue and reporting procedures for lost or abandoned animals and join a "dog-speak and cat-speak" quiz covering everyday knowledge about pet behavior. Veterinary technicians will demonstrate the Heimlich maneuver and other emergency techniques for pets.

An opening ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, featuring the signing of MOUs with universities and affiliated veterinary hospitals for medical support of national service animals, an awards ceremony recognizing contributions to animal welfare and a competition, and a feed-donation event tied to the "Come-Meong Ani Run" campaign. After the ceremony, a separate outdoor session will give attendees a chance to meet national service animals in person.

Animal-related events are scheduled across the country in October. In Seongsu-dong, the "2026 Animal Welfare Certification Value Consumption Festa" will run Friday and Saturday. Busan will host "With Petstar" on Sept. 3 and 4, while Gwangju and Iksan will each hold their own festivals — the "2026 South Jeolla-Gwangju Petnic" and the "2026 Iksan Companion Animal Culture Festival" — on Sept. 17 and 18.

Lee Yong-jik, the ministry's director general for animal welfare policy, said the ministry had prepared a special pop-up to help the public engage with animal welfare policy in an easy and approachable way, and urged people to take part.


adastra@heraldcorp.com