GITNUXREPORT 2026

Korean Pet Industry Statistics

South Korea's pet industry is booming due to widespread pet humanization and growing ownership.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In 2022, the South Korean pet market size was valued at 5.2 trillion KRW, marking a 12.5% year-over-year growth driven by increased pet humanization.

Statistic 2

The pet industry in South Korea is projected to reach 7.8 trillion KRW by 2027, with a CAGR of 9.8% from 2023 to 2027.

Statistic 3

Pet product sales in Korea grew by 15.2% in 2023, contributing to a total market value of 3.1 trillion KRW for accessories and supplies.

Statistic 4

Online pet market sales in South Korea surged 22% in 2022, reaching 1.8 trillion KRW amid e-commerce boom.

Statistic 5

The Korean pet care market expanded to 2.4 trillion KRW in 2023, with grooming services up 18%.

Statistic 6

South Korea's pet industry revenue hit 6.1 trillion KRW in 2023, fueled by millennial pet ownership.

Statistic 7

Pet food segment alone accounted for 45% of the 5.5 trillion KRW pet market in 2022.

Statistic 8

Luxury pet products market in Korea grew 25% YoY to 800 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 9

Total pet industry exports from Korea reached 150 billion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 10

Pet tech market in South Korea valued at 300 billion KRW in 2023, growing 30% annually.

Statistic 11

Veterinary pharmaceuticals market size was 1.2 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 12

Pet insurance market penetration reached 5% of pet owners, valuing at 400 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 13

Combined pet food and treats market hit 2.8 trillion KRW, up 14% in 2023.

Statistic 14

Seoul metropolitan pet market alone contributed 40% of national total at 2.4 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 15

Pet apparel and fashion segment grew to 500 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 16

Overall pet services market expanded 20% to 1.5 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 17

Pet cafe industry revenue reached 250 billion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 18

Smart pet device sales market valued at 200 billion KRW, CAGR 28% projected.

Statistic 19

Pet hotel and boarding market size 600 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 20

Organic pet food niche market grew 35% to 150 billion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 21

The South Korean pet market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2024-2030.

Statistic 22

Pet accessories market in Korea valued at 700 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 23

Total pet industry jobs created 150,000 positions in 2023.

Statistic 24

68% of millennials treat pets as family members in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 25

Average monthly pet spending per household 150,000 KRW in 2023.

Statistic 26

75% of pet owners buy birthday gifts for pets annually.

Statistic 27

Social media pet content views reached 10 billion on Instagram Korea.

Statistic 28

55% prefer premium over mass-market pet products.

Statistic 29

Online shopping for pet goods 80% of total purchases in 2023.

Statistic 30

Brand loyalty in pet food 70% repeat purchase rate.

Statistic 31

Pet clothing purchases doubled to 40% owner participation.

Statistic 32

Health supplement buying 62% of cat owners in 2022.

Statistic 33

Travel with pets 25% of owners did in last year.

Statistic 34

Subscription boxes for pets subscribed by 15% owners.

Statistic 35

Eco-friendly pet products preferred by 48% consumers.

Statistic 36

Pet influencers impact 35% of product purchase decisions.

Statistic 37

Gift-giving pets to others 20% during holidays.

Statistic 38

App usage for pet care 50 million downloads in Korea.

Statistic 39

Organic food preference 30% among high-income owners.

Statistic 40

Customization of pet products sought by 40%.

Statistic 41

Loyalty programs influence 60% repeat buys.

Statistic 42

Reviews read by 85% before pet product purchase.

Statistic 43

Festival attendance for pets 500,000 visitors yearly.

Statistic 44

Pet food expenditure per dog owner averaged 1.2 million KRW annually in 2023.

Statistic 45

Premium pet food market share hit 40% of 2.5 trillion KRW total in 2023.

Statistic 46

Cat food sales grew 28% YoY to 900 billion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 47

Grain-free dog food segment expanded 32% to 400 billion KRW.

Statistic 48

Pet treats and snacks market valued at 600 billion KRW, up 16%.

Statistic 49

Imported pet food accounted for 65% of market imports worth 1.6 trillion KRW.

Statistic 50

Functional pet food (health supplements) sales reached 350 billion KRW.

Statistic 51

Wet pet food category grew fastest at 25% to 500 billion KRW.

Statistic 52

Raw pet food diet trend boosted sales 40% to 100 billion KRW niche.

Statistic 53

Pet supply stores numbered 15,000 with average sales 200 million KRW each.

Statistic 54

Toys sales for pets hit 300 billion KRW, interactive toys up 50%.

Statistic 55

Bedding and furniture for pets market 450 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 56

Collar and leash sales totaled 150 billion KRW annually.

Statistic 57

Cleaning products for pets grew to 250 billion KRW market.

Statistic 58

E-commerce pet food sales 70% of total online pet purchases.

Statistic 59

Vegan pet food options sales up 55% to 50 billion KRW.

Statistic 60

Large breed dog food segment 20% of dog food market.

Statistic 61

Puppy food sales 300 billion KRW with 12% growth.

Statistic 62

Pet Food online platforms captured 55% market share.

Statistic 63

Senior pet food market 200 billion KRW growth area.

Statistic 64

Total dogs owned in South Korea reached 6.2 million in 2023, up 8% from 2022.

Statistic 65

Cat ownership surged to 2.8 million in 2023, representing 25% increase over five years.

Statistic 66

34% of Korean households owned pets in 2023, highest in Asia.

Statistic 67

Dog ownership rate among 20-30 year olds hit 42% in urban areas in 2022.

Statistic 68

Small dog breeds like Maltese accounted for 55% of 6 million dogs in 2023.

Statistic 69

Single-person households pet ownership rate reached 28% in 2023.

Statistic 70

Elderly (65+) pet ownership grew to 15% of that demographic in 2022.

Statistic 71

Exotic pets like hamsters numbered 1.2 million in Korea 2023.

Statistic 72

Female pet owners outnumbered males 55% to 45% in 2023 survey.

Statistic 73

Apartment dwellers owned 70% of all pets in Seoul in 2022.

Statistic 74

Pet registration rate reached 85% for dogs in major cities in 2023.

Statistic 75

Number of pet birds owned estimated at 800,000 in 2023.

Statistic 76

Multi-pet households increased to 12% of total pet owners in 2022.

Statistic 77

Youth (under 20) pet ownership at 18% household penetration in 2023.

Statistic 78

Rural pet ownership lagged urban at 22% vs 38% in 2023.

Statistic 79

Purebred dogs made up 62% of total canine population in 2022.

Statistic 80

Pet fish ownership totaled 3.5 million units in households 2023.

Statistic 81

Adoption rates from shelters rose 15% to 50,000 pets in 2023.

Statistic 82

Pet ownership in Busan reached 1.1 million animals in 2022.

Statistic 83

In 2023, rabbits owned numbered 500,000 in households.

Statistic 84

Pet ownership in Daegu 850,000 animals registered.

Statistic 85

Indoor cats 80% of total feline population in cities.

Statistic 86

Grooming services revenue per visit averaged 80,000 KRW in Seoul 2023.

Statistic 87

Number of veterinary clinics reached 8,500 in South Korea by 2023.

Statistic 88

Pet insurance claims paid out 250 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 89

Average annual vet spend per pet owner 500,000 KRW in 2022.

Statistic 90

Pet hospital visits increased 20% to 25 million annually in 2023.

Statistic 91

Boarding services utilized by 30% of pet owners yearly, market 700 billion KRW.

Statistic 92

Pet daycare centers grew to 2,000 locations in 2023.

Statistic 93

Emergency vet services 24/7 available in 60% of clinics.

Statistic 94

Pet physiotherapy and rehab services up 35% to 100 billion KRW.

Statistic 95

Vaccination rates for dogs at 92% in urban Korea 2023.

Statistic 96

Pet dental care procedures rose 28% in 2022.

Statistic 97

Mobile vet services bookings increased 45% via apps in 2023.

Statistic 98

Spay/neuter surgeries totaled 300,000 cases in 2023.

Statistic 99

Pet cafe visits averaged 5 million monthly in major cities.

Statistic 100

Training classes enrollment 150,000 pet owners in 2023.

Statistic 101

Pet grooming salons 12,000 nationwide, revenue 1 trillion KRW.

Statistic 102

Telemedicine for pets consultations up 60% to 1 million sessions.

Statistic 103

Pet funeral services market 80 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 104

Wellness check-ups annual rate 65% among owners.

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Move over designer handbags and gourmet coffee—South Korea's newest must-have luxury is for its four-legged family members, as the nation's pet industry exploded to a staggering 6.1 trillion KRW in 2023, fueled by a wave of pet humanization that's turning treats into trends and kibble into gold.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the South Korean pet market size was valued at 5.2 trillion KRW, marking a 12.5% year-over-year growth driven by increased pet humanization.
The pet industry in South Korea is projected to reach 7.8 trillion KRW by 2027, with a CAGR of 9.8% from 2023 to 2027.
Pet product sales in Korea grew by 15.2% in 2023, contributing to a total market value of 3.1 trillion KRW for accessories and supplies.
Total dogs owned in South Korea reached 6.2 million in 2023, up 8% from 2022.
Cat ownership surged to 2.8 million in 2023, representing 25% increase over five years.
34% of Korean households owned pets in 2023, highest in Asia.
Pet food expenditure per dog owner averaged 1.2 million KRW annually in 2023.
Premium pet food market share hit 40% of 2.5 trillion KRW total in 2023.
Cat food sales grew 28% YoY to 900 billion KRW in 2022.
Grooming services revenue per visit averaged 80,000 KRW in Seoul 2023.
Number of veterinary clinics reached 8,500 in South Korea by 2023.
Pet insurance claims paid out 250 billion KRW in 2023.
68% of millennials treat pets as family members in 2023 surveys.
Average monthly pet spending per household 150,000 KRW in 2023.
75% of pet owners buy birthday gifts for pets annually.

South Korea's pet industry is booming due to widespread pet humanization and growing ownership.

Market Size & Growth

In 2022, the South Korean pet market size was valued at 5.2 trillion KRW, marking a 12.5% year-over-year growth driven by increased pet humanization.
The pet industry in South Korea is projected to reach 7.8 trillion KRW by 2027, with a CAGR of 9.8% from 2023 to 2027.
Pet product sales in Korea grew by 15.2% in 2023, contributing to a total market value of 3.1 trillion KRW for accessories and supplies.
Online pet market sales in South Korea surged 22% in 2022, reaching 1.8 trillion KRW amid e-commerce boom.
The Korean pet care market expanded to 2.4 trillion KRW in 2023, with grooming services up 18%.
South Korea's pet industry revenue hit 6.1 trillion KRW in 2023, fueled by millennial pet ownership.
Pet food segment alone accounted for 45% of the 5.5 trillion KRW pet market in 2022.
Luxury pet products market in Korea grew 25% YoY to 800 billion KRW in 2023.
Total pet industry exports from Korea reached 150 billion KRW in 2022.
Pet tech market in South Korea valued at 300 billion KRW in 2023, growing 30% annually.
Veterinary pharmaceuticals market size was 1.2 trillion KRW in 2022.
Pet insurance market penetration reached 5% of pet owners, valuing at 400 billion KRW in 2023.
Combined pet food and treats market hit 2.8 trillion KRW, up 14% in 2023.
Seoul metropolitan pet market alone contributed 40% of national total at 2.4 trillion KRW in 2022.
Pet apparel and fashion segment grew to 500 billion KRW in 2023.
Overall pet services market expanded 20% to 1.5 trillion KRW in 2023.
Pet cafe industry revenue reached 250 billion KRW in 2022.
Smart pet device sales market valued at 200 billion KRW, CAGR 28% projected.
Pet hotel and boarding market size 600 billion KRW in 2023.
Organic pet food niche market grew 35% to 150 billion KRW in 2022.
The South Korean pet market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2024-2030.
Pet accessories market in Korea valued at 700 billion KRW in 2023.
Total pet industry jobs created 150,000 positions in 2023.

Market Size & Growth Interpretation

South Korea is building a small furry economy where pets are not just companions but a multi-trillion won engine of human-grade indulgence, from gourmet food to tech gadgets and spa treatments, all growing at a pace that suggests the creatures are about to start paying taxes.

Pet Consumer Trends

68% of millennials treat pets as family members in 2023 surveys.
Average monthly pet spending per household 150,000 KRW in 2023.
75% of pet owners buy birthday gifts for pets annually.
Social media pet content views reached 10 billion on Instagram Korea.
55% prefer premium over mass-market pet products.
Online shopping for pet goods 80% of total purchases in 2023.
Brand loyalty in pet food 70% repeat purchase rate.
Pet clothing purchases doubled to 40% owner participation.
Health supplement buying 62% of cat owners in 2022.
Travel with pets 25% of owners did in last year.
Subscription boxes for pets subscribed by 15% owners.
Eco-friendly pet products preferred by 48% consumers.
Pet influencers impact 35% of product purchase decisions.
Gift-giving pets to others 20% during holidays.
App usage for pet care 50 million downloads in Korea.
Organic food preference 30% among high-income owners.
Customization of pet products sought by 40%.
Loyalty programs influence 60% repeat buys.
Reviews read by 85% before pet product purchase.
Festival attendance for pets 500,000 visitors yearly.

Pet Consumer Trends Interpretation

Korean pet ownership has less to do with basic animal care and more about curating a bespoke, Instagram-worthy lifestyle for a furry family member who, statistically speaking, is probably wearing a birthday outfit while you read their online reviews.

Pet Food & Supplies

Pet food expenditure per dog owner averaged 1.2 million KRW annually in 2023.
Premium pet food market share hit 40% of 2.5 trillion KRW total in 2023.
Cat food sales grew 28% YoY to 900 billion KRW in 2022.
Grain-free dog food segment expanded 32% to 400 billion KRW.
Pet treats and snacks market valued at 600 billion KRW, up 16%.
Imported pet food accounted for 65% of market imports worth 1.6 trillion KRW.
Functional pet food (health supplements) sales reached 350 billion KRW.
Wet pet food category grew fastest at 25% to 500 billion KRW.
Raw pet food diet trend boosted sales 40% to 100 billion KRW niche.
Pet supply stores numbered 15,000 with average sales 200 million KRW each.
Toys sales for pets hit 300 billion KRW, interactive toys up 50%.
Bedding and furniture for pets market 450 billion KRW in 2023.
Collar and leash sales totaled 150 billion KRW annually.
Cleaning products for pets grew to 250 billion KRW market.
E-commerce pet food sales 70% of total online pet purchases.
Vegan pet food options sales up 55% to 50 billion KRW.
Large breed dog food segment 20% of dog food market.
Puppy food sales 300 billion KRW with 12% growth.
Pet Food online platforms captured 55% market share.
Senior pet food market 200 billion KRW growth area.

Pet Food & Supplies Interpretation

The Korean pet industry has clearly pivoted from merely feeding our furry dependents to actively catering to their every gourmet whim, therapeutic need, and interior design preference, proving that a dog's life is no longer just a proverb but a premium, imported, grain-free, and functionally-supplemented lifestyle.

Pet Ownership Statistics

Total dogs owned in South Korea reached 6.2 million in 2023, up 8% from 2022.
Cat ownership surged to 2.8 million in 2023, representing 25% increase over five years.
34% of Korean households owned pets in 2023, highest in Asia.
Dog ownership rate among 20-30 year olds hit 42% in urban areas in 2022.
Small dog breeds like Maltese accounted for 55% of 6 million dogs in 2023.
Single-person households pet ownership rate reached 28% in 2023.
Elderly (65+) pet ownership grew to 15% of that demographic in 2022.
Exotic pets like hamsters numbered 1.2 million in Korea 2023.
Female pet owners outnumbered males 55% to 45% in 2023 survey.
Apartment dwellers owned 70% of all pets in Seoul in 2022.
Pet registration rate reached 85% for dogs in major cities in 2023.
Number of pet birds owned estimated at 800,000 in 2023.
Multi-pet households increased to 12% of total pet owners in 2022.
Youth (under 20) pet ownership at 18% household penetration in 2023.
Rural pet ownership lagged urban at 22% vs 38% in 2023.
Purebred dogs made up 62% of total canine population in 2022.
Pet fish ownership totaled 3.5 million units in households 2023.
Adoption rates from shelters rose 15% to 50,000 pets in 2023.
Pet ownership in Busan reached 1.1 million animals in 2022.
In 2023, rabbits owned numbered 500,000 in households.
Pet ownership in Daegu 850,000 animals registered.
Indoor cats 80% of total feline population in cities.

Pet Ownership Statistics Interpretation

Korea's love affair with pets has reached a fever pitch, painting a picture of a nation where apartment-dwelling singles, young urbanites, and an increasing number of seniors are finding companionship in small dogs, cats, and even a staggering number of fish, making the home not just a house but a thriving, multi-species ecosystem.

Pet Services & Healthcare

Grooming services revenue per visit averaged 80,000 KRW in Seoul 2023.
Number of veterinary clinics reached 8,500 in South Korea by 2023.
Pet insurance claims paid out 250 billion KRW in 2023.
Average annual vet spend per pet owner 500,000 KRW in 2022.
Pet hospital visits increased 20% to 25 million annually in 2023.
Boarding services utilized by 30% of pet owners yearly, market 700 billion KRW.
Pet daycare centers grew to 2,000 locations in 2023.
Emergency vet services 24/7 available in 60% of clinics.
Pet physiotherapy and rehab services up 35% to 100 billion KRW.
Vaccination rates for dogs at 92% in urban Korea 2023.
Pet dental care procedures rose 28% in 2022.
Mobile vet services bookings increased 45% via apps in 2023.
Spay/neuter surgeries totaled 300,000 cases in 2023.
Pet cafe visits averaged 5 million monthly in major cities.
Training classes enrollment 150,000 pet owners in 2023.
Pet grooming salons 12,000 nationwide, revenue 1 trillion KRW.
Telemedicine for pets consultations up 60% to 1 million sessions.
Pet funeral services market 80 billion KRW in 2023.
Wellness check-ups annual rate 65% among owners.

Pet Services & Healthcare Interpretation

South Korea's pets are now living a life of such meticulously groomed, insured, and therapized luxury that the line between "pet owner" and "concierge for a tiny, furry CEO" has become charmingly blurred.

Sources & References

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