[WHY] Animals on wheels: Why are pet strollers so popular in Korea?

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[WHY] Animals on wheels: Why are pet strollers so popular in Korea?

Published: 05 Oct. 2024, 07:00 Updated: 06 Oct. 2024, 14:01

SEO JI-EUN
seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr

A visitor pushes her dog in a stroller at a pet industry expo held at Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi, on May 19, 2023. [YONHAP]

In Korea, it's becoming increasingly common to see strollers being pushed through parks and streets occupied not by babies, but by owners' beloved dogs.

These so-called pet strollers or dog strollers have surged in popularity, with prices normally ranging from 100,000 ($75) to 300,000 won, with some premium models even reaching up to 1.5 million won.

Comparative sales of pet strollers surpassed those of baby strollers for the first time last year, according to the Korean e-commerce platform Gmarket.

This year, until the third quarter, the sales of pet strollers accounted for 58 percent of total stroller sales, compared to 42 percent for baby strollers. In 2022, pet strollers made up just 36 percent, and 34 percent in 2021.

Share of sales of baby strollers vs. pet strollers [LEE JEONG-MIN]

While pet strollers can be seen in other parts of the world, such as in the United States and Europe, they are especially common in Korea.

The rise in pet strollers, however, has sparked debate in a country grappling with the world’s lowest birthrate. Owners receive the common criticism, "Why are you pushing the dog in a stroller when it should be walking?"

Beyond elderly or disabled dogs, pet strollers have become a convenient tool to transport small dogs, which are prevalent in the country.

For many owners, the strollers are indispensable for safely transporting pets during hot summer days, allowing them to join their owners at cafes and restaurants.

There is also a shift in pet culture, where animals are increasingly treated like an owners' child, like a "maknae" (the youngest one) or "baby," with owners willing to invest in their pet's comfort.

Dogs ride in strollers at a pet expo held at Coex in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on Aug. 25. [YONHAP]

Preference for small dogs

Korea is a country where small dogs dominate due to the urban lifestyle, in contrast with Western societies where larger dogs are often preferred, historically serving as guard dogs.

Small breeds, which are more practical for apartment living in Korea, tend to be physically fragile, and tire quickly during walks. This makes strollers a more convenient option for long outings, ensuring that pets can accompany their owners comfortably without being overexerted.

The trend of using dog strollers is not unique to Korea.

The culture of using pet strollers came to Korea from Japan, which has been using them for around 20 years, with both countries sharing similar urban living environments, according to Prof. Kim Joung-yeon from the Department of Animal Science at Calvin University.

Registered dog breeds in Seoul [LEE JEONG-MIN]

The most popular breed in the city is the Maltese, with the breed making up 19.8 Seoul’s pet dogs, according a May report from the Seoul Digital Foundation. The next popular dogs are Poodles, mixed breeds, Pomeranians and Shih Tzus.

But why are small dogs so favored in Korea?

The answer lies in urbanization and the prevalence of communal living environments. Most of Korea's population lives in cities, where the disappearance of yards and the abundance of high-rise buildings have naturally led to a preference for smaller dogs, which are better suited for indoor living.

Historically, Koreans favored medium-sized dogs, often seen in homes with yards up until the 1980s. However, the mid-1990s saw an increase in income levels, and with that, a boom in pet culture. During this period, popular small breeds like Maltese, poodles and Yorkshire terriers were imported, and as apartment living became the norm, the demand for small, apartment-friendly dogs surged.

Bobo, a 15-year-old Maltese, sits in a pet stroller in this photo taken by his owner. [COURTSEY OF READER]

Strollers required indoors

In Korea, more venues require pets to be kept in carriers or strollers when indoors. This trend has led to a rise in dog strollers as a necessity for pet owners who wish to bring their furry companions along when they go out.

Many pet owners have expressed frustration with these restrictions.

"Even when a place says it's pet-friendly, they often require you to keep your pet inside a carrier or a stroller, which really limits where you can actually take them," wrote one pet owner in a Thread post.

Another notes the difference between Korea and more relaxed countries: "In Europe, pets, even large dogs, are often allowed freely in restaurants and cafes."

With these limitations, certain locations in Korea have become popular among pet owners.

A visitor pushes a dog stroller through The Hyundai Seoul shopping mall in Yeouido, western Seoul. [SEO JI-EUN]

At Shinsegae's Starfield shopping mall, one of Korea's representative pet-friendly shopping destinations, it's common to see dogs in strollers more than babies. The venue offers amenities like pet waste stations, stroller rental services and even a pet lounge for relaxation.

The Hyundai Seoul department store in Yeouido also offers dog stroller rentals. The store allows pets in strollers or carriers in most areas, except for food sections. Hyundai Department Store has adopted similar policies across its branches, catering to pet owners by permitting indoor access for pets in designated strollers or bags.

Coffee shops are also jumping on the pet-friendly trend.

Hollys Coffee has introduced a pet stroller rental service at its branch in Namyangju, Gyeonggi. Starbucks Korea and Coffee Bean Korea also expanded its pet-friendly offerings, offering spaces for pets and their owners to enjoy a cup of coffee together.

An omakase meal is served at a dog-friendly restaurant in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul. [PUPPY LOUNGE]

Treating dogs like children

The culture of treating pets, particularly dogs, as members of the family is growing rapidly, with pet owners increasingly investing in high-end services and products for their furry companions.

American TV personality Tyler Rasch, who lives in Seoul with his Bedlington terrier Charlie, says Americans’ approach to raising their dogs differs greatly from the typical Korean pet owner.

“I don’t refer to Charlie as my ‘baby’ or myself as ‘his dad,’” Rasch said in an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo, an affiliate of the Korea JoongAng Daily. "He's just Charlie, and I'm just Tyler."

Rasch noted that while Americans also view pets as part of the family, there's a stronger sense in the U.S. that "dogs are not people."

This cultural shift in Korea is becoming increasingly evident. A Chosun Ilbo column citing a big data expert, revealed that searching for the term "our maknae" on Korean social media will find more results referring to dogs than to actual babies.

With the number of pet owners in Korea now reaching 15 million, the trend of cherishing dogs as family members continues to rise, often in contrast to the declining birthrate.

“People’s spending psychology is being directed toward their pets because they're not having children,” said Prof. Lee Woong-jong of Yonam University’s Department of Companion Animal Science.

The surge in pet strollers further exemplifies this phenomenon, connecting to what Lee describes as a "display culture" in Korea, a country with one of the highest luxury consumption rates globally.

“As the idea of 'pets as family' strengthens, pushing a dog in a stroller becomes a status symbol. It’s a way of showing that I’m taking great care of my pet,” Lee said. “It’s also a way for people to draw attention to themselves while showcasing their pet care.”

Stages of pet culture development according to GNI level [LEE JEONG-MIN]

A report by a Seoul-based research company Value Finder suggests that the pet industry is closely linked to the nation's gross national income (GNI), rather than just its gross domestic product, highlighting that pet culture evolves in distinct phases as GNI increases.

It says that when GNI per capita reaches $10,000, pet culture begins to emerge; at $20,000, it becomes more established; and at $30,000, the "humanizing" of pets takes hold. Korea's GNI surpassed $30,000 in 2017 and reached $32,000 in 2022, signaling that the humanizing of pets may have now arrived.

A prime example of the premiumization of pet culture is the opening of an exclusive dog-friendly omakase restaurant in Seoul. This restaurant, which operates on a reservation-only basis, offers an eight-course meal tailored to dogs. Prices vary by the size of the dog, with small dogs under 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds) costing 58,000 won, medium dogs 68,000 won and large dogs 78,000 won.

Dogs play at a newly opened dog playground at Dongmyeong University’s Yongdang Campus in Nam District, Busan, on Feb. 15. [SONG BONG-KEUN]

Are strollers O.K. for dogs?

According to Prof. Kim, pet strollers are often used more for the convenience of the owner rather than the benefit of the dog.

"Dogs should ideally walk on the ground, sniff their surroundings and interact with other dogs while walking," said Kim.

"From a training perspective, dogs should ideally walk instead of being pushed in a stroller, as this helps with physical exercise, balance and maintaining their body shape," Lee echoed.

There are certain situations where using a stroller for dogs can be not only appropriate but necessary.

"Dog strollers can be beneficial for elderly dogs, disabled dogs or those recovering from surgeries that have difficulty walking," explained Lee. In these cases, dogs may experience frustration or even depression because they can't join their owners for long walks as they desire.

Additionally, in crowded spaces like shopping malls or exhibitions where the environment can be chaotic and narrow, strollers are often recommended for the safety and comfort of pets.

Experts advise that strollers should be used for convenience during outings or travel, but not as a substitute for walks. Young and healthy dogs still need plenty of time to run and explore freely to support their physical health and development.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]