Major department stores and sprawling shopping malls in Korea are rapidly expanding pet-friendly spaces and merchandise, as brick-and-mortar retailers seek to draw more foot traffic and keep shoppers lingering longer by catering to a growing view of pets as members of the family.
The shift reflects the rise of “pet humanization,” a consumer trend in which companion animals are treated much like people, and comes amid a steady expansion in pet ownership across Korea. As online shopping continues to erode the traditional advantages of brick-and-mortar retail, stores are emphasizing in-person experiences that encourage customers to linger longer and return more often — frequently with their pets in tow.
According to the 2025 Korea Pet Report by KB Financial Group’s research institute, 5.91 million households, or 26.7 percent of the national total, were living with at least one pet at the end of 2024, up from about 18 percent in 2018. Nearly 15.5 million people — roughly three in 10 residents — now share their homes with companion animals.
Sales of traditional holiday attire for pets have already surpassed infant wear, according to the retailer Emart.
During the 2023 Chuseok holiday, pet hanbok — traditional Korean dress — generated sales equal to roughly one-third of infant hanbok sales. By last year’s Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays, however, sales of pet hanbok had surpassed those of infant wear, the retailer said.
Building on the trend, Emart sold more than 120 types of pet hanbok during last year’s Chuseok and plans to expand its offerings this Lunar New Year to include accessories such as traditional hair ornaments and decorative pouches. The products will be sold at 29 Molly's pet specialty shops nationwide.
Pet food offerings have also become more sophisticated.
Shopping mall operators are also redesigning physical spaces to accommodate pets more comfortably.
Starfield malls offer stroller rentals for pets weighing under 15 kilograms, along with pet-friendly elevators and designated indoor rest areas. Outdoor “pet parks,” outfitted with natural grass, drinking fountains and paw-washing stations, have been installed at locations in Hanam, Goyang, Anseong and Suwon — reinforcing the notion that pets are welcomed as guests rather than treated as restricted companions.
Department stores are also revising access policies.
Source: Korea Times News
