South Korea's pet industry is valued at over five trillion won. Nearly one in three households now includes a pet. These statistics detail the market's rapid expansion, driven by premiumization and digital adoption.
Key Takeaways
- South Korean pet market size reached 4.68 trillion KRW in 2022, reflecting a 12.5% year-over-year growth driven by increased pet ownership
- Premium dry dog food sales volume: 450,000 tons in 2023
- Number of pet-owning households in South Korea reached 5.7 million in 2023, representing 28% of total households
- Pet collar and leash sales: 250 billion KRW in 2023, 18% growth
- 65% of pet owners spend over 100,000 KRW monthly on pets in 2023
Korea’s pet industry continues to grow, driven by rising ownership, spending, and demand for pet services.
Related reading
01 · Category
Market Size & Growth30 stats
01
South Korean pet market size reached 4.68 trillion KRW in 2022, reflecting a 12.5% year-over-year growth driven by increased pet ownership
02
Pet industry revenue in South Korea is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2023 to 2028, reaching 7.2 trillion KRW
03
In 2023, the pet supplies segment accounted for 28% of the total Korean pet market value, equating to 1.45 trillion KRW
04
South Korea's pet food market expanded by 15.3% in 2022 to 2.8 trillion KRW, fueled by premium product demand
05
The overall pet care market in Korea hit 5.1 trillion KRW in 2023, with online sales contributing 35% growth
06
Pet services sector in South Korea grew 18% YoY in 2022, valued at 650 billion KRW
07
Korean pet market CAGR stood at 10.1% from 2018-2022, outpacing general consumer goods
08
By 2025, South Korean pet industry expected to reach 6.5 trillion KRW, per industry forecasts
09
Pet grooming and boarding services market in Korea valued at 420 billion KRW in 2023, up 22%
10
E-commerce pet sales in South Korea surged 40% in 2023 to 1.8 trillion KRW
11
Total pet-related expenditures in Korea reached 5.3 trillion KRW in 2023
12
Pet healthcare market segment grew 25% YoY to 380 billion KRW in 2022
13
South Korea pet industry export value hit 150 billion KRW in 2023
14
Domestic pet product manufacturing revenue: 2.1 trillion KRW in 2022
15
Pet apparel and accessories market: 320 billion KRW in 2023, 14% growth
16
Korean pet market penetration rate: 32% of households in 2023, boosting market to 5.4T KRW
17
Veterinary services revenue: 550 billion KRW in 2022, 20% YoY increase
18
Pet insurance market in Korea: 120 billion KRW premiums in 2023
19
Offline pet retail stores revenue: 2.9 trillion KRW in 2023
20
Pet toy market size: 180 billion KRW in 2022
21
South Korea pet market share of Asia-Pacific: 8.5% in 2023, valued at 5.2T KRW
22
Premium pet food segment growth: 28% to 1.2T KRW in 2023
23
Pet cafe and hotel sector: 250 billion KRW in 2023
24
Korean pet industry FDI inflows: 45 billion KRW in 2022
25
Total pet supply chain value: 3.8 trillion KRW in 2023
26
Pet training services market: 90 billion KRW, 16% growth in 2023
27
Online pet marketplace GMV: 2.2 trillion KRW in 2023
28
Pet waste management products: 65 billion KRW market in 2022
29
South Korea pet market digital ad spend: 180 billion KRW in 2023
30
Overall pet industry employment: 120,000 jobs in 2023, supporting 5.5T KRW economy
Interpretation
Market Size & Growth Interpretation
South Korea's pet industry has become a furry freight train of economic growth, hurtling past 5 trillion won and into 32% of households, propelled by equal parts love and premium kibble.
02 · Category
Pet Food & Nutrition26 stats
01
Premium dry dog food sales volume: 450,000 tons in 2023
02
Wet cat food market share: 22% of total pet food, 620 billion KRW in 2023
03
Organic pet food sales growth: 35% YoY to 150 billion KRW in 2023
04
Grain-free dog food penetration: 28% of dog owners in 2023 survey
05
Puppy food segment: 180 billion KRW, 15% market share in 2023
06
Imported pet food import value: 1.1 trillion KRW in 2023, 65% from US/EU
07
Senior pet food sales: 240 billion KRW, targeting aging pets in 2023
08
Raw/fresh pet food trend: 12% adoption rate, 90 billion KRW market 2023
09
Functional pet treats market: 110 billion KRW in 2023, up 20%
10
Cat litter sales volume: 120,000 tons annually in 2023
11
Hypoallergenic food demand: 18% of purchases for allergic pets 2023
12
Pet food e-commerce share: 45% of sales, 1.3T KRW in 2023
13
Freeze-dried pet food growth: 42% to 75 billion KRW 2023
14
Nutritional supplement sales for pets: 320 billion KRW in 2023
15
Vegan pet food niche: 25 billion KRW market emerging in 2023
16
Canned pet food consumption: 85,000 tons in 2023
17
Personalized pet food subscriptions: 150,000 subscribers, 60B KRW 2023
18
Omega-3 enriched foods: 40% of premium segment in 2023
19
Pet food R&D investment: 180 billion KRW by top firms 2023
20
Low-calorie pet food sales: 95 billion KRW for overweight pets 2023
21
Insect-based pet food trials: 5% market trial, 30B KRW 2023
22
Probiotic pet food penetration: 22% of cat food in 2023
23
Pet milk and dairy alternatives: 55 billion KRW sales 2023
24
AAFCO-compliant imported food: 70% of premium imports 2023
25
Pet food waste reduction initiatives saved 20,000 tons in 2023
26
Dog food average price per kg: 12,500 KRW for premium in 2023
Interpretation
Pet Food & Nutrition Interpretation
South Korea's pet industry is feeding a nation of four-legged gourmands and hypochondriacs, where premium kibble is measured by the ton, cats command a wet-food empire worth hundreds of billions, and discerning owners are investing more in freeze-dried delicacies and personalized subscriptions than many countries spend on their own human populations.
03 · Category
Pet Population & Ownership26 stats
01
Number of pet-owning households in South Korea reached 5.7 million in 2023, representing 28% of total households
02
Dog ownership in Korea: 6.2 million dogs as pets in 2023, up 8% from 2022
03
Cat population in South Korea: 2.8 million in 2023, growing at 12% annually
04
34% of Korean millennials (aged 25-39) own pets, highest demographic in 2023 survey
05
Urban pet ownership rate: 42% in Seoul metropolitan area in 2023
06
Small dog breeds (under 10kg) comprise 65% of pet dogs in Korea, 4.1 million in 2023
07
Pet registration numbers: 4.5 million registered pets in 2023, mandatory for dogs
08
Single-person households pet ownership: 52% in 2023, driving population growth
09
Exotic pet ownership: 450,000 reptiles and birds in Korea 2023
10
Female pet owners: 58% of total in 2023 national survey
11
Pet ownership in Busan: 1.2 million pets for 720k households in 2023
12
Aging population pet adoption: 22% of over-60s own pets in 2023
13
Multi-pet households: 28% own 2+ pets, averaging 1.8 pets per owner in 2023
14
Dog-to-human ratio: 1 pet dog per 8.5 people in Korea 2023
15
Cat cafes boosting ownership: 150,000 new cat owners from cafes in 2023
16
Pet abandonment rate: 1.2% of population, 75,000 cases in 2023
17
Imported pet breeds: 35% of dogs are foreign breeds like Pomeranian in 2023
18
Rural pet ownership: 18% of households vs 35% urban in 2023
19
Pet DNA registration: 2.1 million samples in 2023 for ownership verification
20
Young adult (20-29) ownership: 45% rate in 2023
21
Total companion animals: 9.5 million including dogs, cats, others in 2023
22
High-rise apartment pet ownership: 55% in Seoul apartments 2023
23
Pet microchipping rate: 62% among dog owners in 2023
24
Family with children pet ownership: 41% have pets in 2023
25
Pet hamster and small mammal ownership: 180,000 in 2023
26
Ownership growth post-COVID: 25% increase since 2020 to 5.8M households 2023
Interpretation
Pet Population & Ownership Interpretation
In Seoul, where loneliness climbs as high as the apartments, South Korea’s 9.5 million pets have become the leading answer to urban isolation, proving that companionship now has more paws, scales, and feathers than ever before.
More related reading
04 · Category
Pet Products & Services25 stats
01
Pet collar and leash sales: 250 billion KRW in 2023, 18% growth
02
Grooming product market: 380 billion KRW, led by shampoos in 2023
03
Pet carrier and stroller sales volume: 1.2 million units in 2023
04
Veterinary clinic numbers: 4,500 clinics nationwide in 2023
05
Pet hotel occupancy rate: 75% average in peak seasons 2023
06
Smart pet feeders sold: 450,000 units, IoT trend in 2023
07
Pet clothing sales: 420 billion KRW, seasonal spikes in 2023
08
Boarding service revenue per stay: average 150,000 KRW in 2023
09
Pet camera device market: 120 billion KRW in 2023
10
Grooming salon visits: 12 million annually in 2023
11
Pet bed and furniture sales: 280 billion KRW, ergonomic designs 2023
12
Daycare centers for pets: 1,800 facilities, 500,000 enrollments 2023
13
Walking service apps users: 2.5 million in 2023
14
Pet waste bag sales: 80 million packs, biodegradable 40% in 2023
15
Training toy sales: 95 billion KRW, interactive types popular 2023
16
Spa and massage services: 150 billion KRW revenue 2023
17
GPS tracker collars: 300,000 units sold in 2023
18
Pet bakery products: 65 billion KRW, custom cakes rising 2023
19
Mobile vet services: 1,200 providers, 2 million visits 2023
20
Hygiene product market (wipes etc.): 220 billion KRW 2023
21
Pet stroller ownership: 15% of dog owners in urban areas 2023
22
Emergency pet hospital beds: 5,200 across Korea in 2023
23
Custom pet furniture orders: 180,000 in 2023
24
Pet photography services: 450,000 sessions booked 2023
25
Dental care kits sales: 110 billion KRW 2023
Interpretation
Pet Products & Services Interpretation
Korea's pet industry shows a nation treating companion animals with such meticulous care—from 450,000 smart feeders to 1,800 daycare centers—that the line between pampered pet and furry family member has not just blurred but been enthusiastically erased.
05 · Category
Trends & Consumer Insights24 stats
01
65% of pet owners spend over 100,000 KRW monthly on pets in 2023
02
Humanization trend: 78% treat pets as family members in 2023 survey
03
Online shopping preference: 62% of purchases via apps like Coupang in 2023
04
Sustainability focus: 45% prefer eco-friendly products in 2023
05
Pet birthday celebrations: 52% of owners host events annually 2023
06
Health monitoring wearables adoption: 28% of dog owners in 2023
07
Subscription box services: 1.8 million subscribers in 2023
08
Gender shift: Women driving 70% of premium purchases 2023
09
Travel with pets: 35% plan pet-friendly trips in 2024 survey 2023
10
Social media influence: 60% discover products via Instagram 2023
11
Personalized products demand: 40% seek custom items 2023
12
Mental health benefits: 72% report reduced stress from pets 2023
13
Luxury pet brands loyalty: 55% repeat buy from top 5 brands 2023
14
Night-time pet care routines: 68% use tech for monitoring 2023
15
Vegan/plant-based pet trends: 15% interest growth 2023
16
Pet influencer economy: 1,200 influencers with 50M followers 2023
17
Return to office impact: 42% increased daycare use post-2023
18
AR pet try-on apps: 25% usage among young owners 2023
19
Community events attendance: 3.5 million at pet fairs 2023
20
Insurance adoption: 18% of owners insured pets in 2023, up from 10%
21
Gift-giving to pets: 48% buy gifts during holidays 2023
22
Tech integration: 38% use apps for health tracking 2023
23
Local vs import preference: 52% shift to Korean brands 2023
24
Multi-species ownership: 12% own both dog and cat 2023
Interpretation
Trends & Consumer Insights Interpretation
Korean pets have officially become the nation's most pampered, tech-savvy, and sustainably-minded family members, with their owners spending lavishly online, celebrating their birthdays, and tracking their every blink via app, proving that the line between pet care and premium lifestyle management has not just blurred but been enthusiastically deleted.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Megan Gallagher. (2026, February 13). Korea Pet Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/korea-pet-industry-statistics
MLA
Megan Gallagher. "Korea Pet Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/korea-pet-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Megan Gallagher. 2026. "Korea Pet Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/korea-pet-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
100 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level