Pet festivals coming to Seoul, Asan and Icheon this fall

Events scheduled for this weekend in Seoul, Oct. 24 in Asan and Oct. 24-25 in Icheon

Owners urged to follow pet etiquette, including leash control and waste disposal

Animal registration and seasonal health care also recommended

Photo is unrelated to the article. [Getty Images Bank]

As cool autumn weather sets in, pet festivals are being held across the country where owners can enjoy the season alongside their animals. At crowded event venues, however, owners are urged to observe basic pet etiquette — keeping animals on a short leash and cleaning up after them — while also taking precautions against lost pets and seasonal health issues.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on Tuesday released a schedule of regional autumn pet festivals along with safety and health guidelines for pet owners.

The Seoul Animal Happiness Festa will be held this weekend in Seoul. In Asan, South Chungcheong Province, the first Asan City Pet Festival is set for Oct. 24, while the 2026 Icheon Pet Festival will run Oct. 24-25 in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province.

Poster for 'Autumn Stroll in the Cool Breeze' [Provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs]

Interest in pet-related events has been growing. A pop-up store in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, held Oct. 2-5 to mark the second Animal Protection Day drew more than 18,000 visitors.

When visiting a festival with a pet, considerate behavior toward other people and animals is essential. In crowded areas, owners should keep their pets on a short leash and ask permission before approaching another person's animal.

Waste must be collected immediately. If a pet becomes anxious or agitated in an unfamiliar environment, owners should move to a quieter spot and allow the animal to calm down.

Preparation to prevent pets from going missing is also important. Owners should confirm their animal is registered and update the registration if their address or contact information has changed. Before heading out, they should check that the leash and harness are securely connected and that the pet is wearing an ID tag with the owner's contact details.

Particular care is needed in unfamiliar places, where a sudden loud noise can startle a pet into bolting. If a pet goes missing, owners are advised to register the loss promptly on the National Animal Protection Information System at animal.go.kr.

The change of seasons, with its wide daily temperature swings, also calls for closer attention to health. Young animals, elderly animals and those with heart or respiratory conditions may be especially vulnerable to sudden temperature changes and strenuous exercise. Owners should adjust the length and intensity of walks based on the temperature and their pet's condition.

Overview of autumn pet events across South Korea in 2026 [Provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs]

During extended outdoor activities, owners should ensure their pets have enough water and rest. If a pet pants heavily, becomes lethargic or shows an abnormal gait, activity should be stopped immediately and veterinary care sought if necessary.

Lee Yong-jik, director general for animal welfare policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, urged the public to "enjoy the pet festivals taking place across the country this cool autumn season while also practicing the pet etiquette and safety rules that show consideration for others." He added that he hoped "pet owners will look after their animals' health with care, so that both pet owners and non-owners alike can have a happy autumn outing."

adastra@heraldcorp.com