Weekend events over 3 weeks at Yeouido, World Cup Park and Sangam; program includes dog trail, pet Olympics and live concerts

A promotional image for the Seoul Petlympics, part of Seoul Animal Happiness Week. [Seoul Metropolitan Government]
A promotional image for the Seoul Petlympics, part of Seoul Animal Happiness Week. [Seoul Metropolitan Government]

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will hold "Seoul Animal Happiness Week" on weekends from Saturday through Oct. 31, at Yeouido Han River Park, World Cup Park Peace Plaza and the Sangam Culture Tank.

The city said the event was designed to promote respect for life and foster mutual understanding between pet owners and non-owners. Walking, sports and cultural events with companion animals will be held throughout the three weeks, alongside stray dog adoption programs and film screenings.

The first weekend, Saturday and Sunday, will feature the "Animal Happiness Festa" at Yeouido Han River Park. Programs include the "Animal Happiness Run," a walk along the Han River with dogs and their owners; the "Second Showing of Dog Life Showcase," which highlights the daily lives of families who have adopted stray dogs; and "Fimky Red Carpet Adoption," a stray dog adoption event.

On-site activities will include an "Animal Protection Play Zone" covering wildlife, farm animals, laboratory animals, exhibition animals and working animals, a stray animal adoption campaign, and a pet culture quiz.

The second weekend, Oct. 24 and 25, will bring the "Seoul Petlympics" to World Cup Park Peace Plaza. Themed around the Olympics, the event pairs dogs and their owners in team-based competitions — including "stay" and "come" commands — open to beginners.

Other events include the "Dog Trail," a 4-kilometer walk; an agility national team invitational featuring dogs navigating obstacles quickly and accurately; and the Seoul Frisbee, Seoul Amateur Agility and Seoul Dog Dance competitions.

On the final day, Oct. 31, the "2026 Seoul Daengnyangdays" will be held at the Sangam Culture Tank. The program includes a dog dance performance, a pet fashion show, a live concert by Kim Na-young and Haha, and an evening screening of the film "My Heart Puppy."

The outdoor stage at Tank 2 will host "Pet Loss Healing Concert," a talk concert featuring pet influencer Wonshothanssol, emerging artist Jeong Ha-kyeong, who paints animal subjects, and Jo Ji-hun and Seol Chae-hyeon. An exhibition of works by emerging animal-themed artists Oh Ji-woo, Jjoya, Hwang Da-hee and Im Jeong-cheol will also be held.

Seoul amended its municipal ordinance in 2023 to designate Oct. 4 as "Seoul Animal Protection Day" — the first local government in the country to do so — and has held related events since 2024. Further details are available on the official event website.

Kim Young-hwan, director of Seoul's Garden City Bureau, said he hoped the event would give people "a chance to build precious memories with their companion animals and reflect on the meaning of animal protection."


ken@heraldcorp.com