South Korea’s pet industry reached 6.1 trillion KRW in revenue in 2023, with millennial pet ownership fueling year-over-year momentum. Pet product sales rose 15.2% in 2023 to a combined accessories and supplies value of 3.1 trillion KRW. Demand is shifting toward grooming and tech support as pet-care revenue grew to 2.4 trillion KRW in 2023 and grooming services increased by 18%.
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.
- 68% of millennials treat pets as family members in 2023 surveys.
- Pet food expenditure per dog owner averaged 1.2 million KRW annually in 2023.
- Total dogs owned in South Korea reached 6.2 million in 2023, up 8% from 2022.
- Grooming services revenue per visit averaged 80,000 KRW in Seoul 2023.
Korea’s pet industry is growing steadily, driven by rising pet ownership and sustained spending.
Related reading
01 · Category
Market Size & Growth23 stats
01
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.
02
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.
03
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.
04
Online pet market sales in South Korea surged 22% in 2022, reaching 1.8 trillion KRW amid e-commerce boom.
05
The Korean pet care market expanded to 2.4 trillion KRW in 2023, with grooming services up 18%.
06
South Korea's pet industry revenue hit 6.1 trillion KRW in 2023, fueled by millennial pet ownership.
07
Pet food segment alone accounted for 45% of the 5.5 trillion KRW pet market in 2022.
08
Luxury pet products market in Korea grew 25% YoY to 800 billion KRW in 2023.
09
Total pet industry exports from Korea reached 150 billion KRW in 2022.
10
Pet tech market in South Korea valued at 300 billion KRW in 2023, growing 30% annually.
11
Veterinary pharmaceuticals market size was 1.2 trillion KRW in 2022.
12
Pet insurance market penetration reached 5% of pet owners, valuing at 400 billion KRW in 2023.
13
Combined pet food and treats market hit 2.8 trillion KRW, up 14% in 2023.
14
Seoul metropolitan pet market alone contributed 40% of national total at 2.4 trillion KRW in 2022.
15
Pet apparel and fashion segment grew to 500 billion KRW in 2023.
16
Overall pet services market expanded 20% to 1.5 trillion KRW in 2023.
17
Pet cafe industry revenue reached 250 billion KRW in 2022.
18
Smart pet device sales market valued at 200 billion KRW, CAGR 28% projected.
19
Pet hotel and boarding market size 600 billion KRW in 2023.
20
Organic pet food niche market grew 35% to 150 billion KRW in 2022.
21
The South Korean pet market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2024-2030.
22
Pet accessories market in Korea valued at 700 billion KRW in 2023.
23
Total pet industry jobs created 150,000 positions in 2023.
Interpretation
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.
02 · Category
Pet Consumer Trends20 stats
01
68% of millennials treat pets as family members in 2023 surveys.
02
Average monthly pet spending per household 150,000 KRW in 2023.
03
75% of pet owners buy birthday gifts for pets annually.
04
Social media pet content views reached 10 billion on Instagram Korea.
05
55% prefer premium over mass-market pet products.
06
Online shopping for pet goods 80% of total purchases in 2023.
07
Brand loyalty in pet food 70% repeat purchase rate.
08
Pet clothing purchases doubled to 40% owner participation.
09
Health supplement buying 62% of cat owners in 2022.
10
Travel with pets 25% of owners did in last year.
11
Subscription boxes for pets subscribed by 15% owners.
12
Eco-friendly pet products preferred by 48% consumers.
13
Pet influencers impact 35% of product purchase decisions.
14
Gift-giving pets to others 20% during holidays.
15
App usage for pet care 50 million downloads in Korea.
16
Organic food preference 30% among high-income owners.
17
Customization of pet products sought by 40%.
18
Loyalty programs influence 60% repeat buys.
19
Reviews read by 85% before pet product purchase.
20
Festival attendance for pets 500,000 visitors yearly.
Interpretation
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.
03 · Category
Pet Food & Supplies20 stats
01
Pet food expenditure per dog owner averaged 1.2 million KRW annually in 2023.
02
Premium pet food market share hit 40% of 2.5 trillion KRW total in 2023.
03
Cat food sales grew 28% YoY to 900 billion KRW in 2022.
04
Grain-free dog food segment expanded 32% to 400 billion KRW.
05
Pet treats and snacks market valued at 600 billion KRW, up 16%.
06
Imported pet food accounted for 65% of market imports worth 1.6 trillion KRW.
07
Functional pet food (health supplements) sales reached 350 billion KRW.
08
Wet pet food category grew fastest at 25% to 500 billion KRW.
09
Raw pet food diet trend boosted sales 40% to 100 billion KRW niche.
10
Pet supply stores numbered 15,000 with average sales 200 million KRW each.
11
Toys sales for pets hit 300 billion KRW, interactive toys up 50%.
12
Bedding and furniture for pets market 450 billion KRW in 2023.
13
Collar and leash sales totaled 150 billion KRW annually.
14
Cleaning products for pets grew to 250 billion KRW market.
15
E-commerce pet food sales 70% of total online pet purchases.
16
Vegan pet food options sales up 55% to 50 billion KRW.
17
Large breed dog food segment 20% of dog food market.
18
Puppy food sales 300 billion KRW with 12% growth.
19
Pet Food online platforms captured 55% market share.
20
Senior pet food market 200 billion KRW growth area.
Interpretation
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.
More related reading
04 · Category
Pet Ownership Statistics22 stats
01
Total dogs owned in South Korea reached 6.2 million in 2023, up 8% from 2022.
02
Cat ownership surged to 2.8 million in 2023, representing 25% increase over five years.
03
34% of Korean households owned pets in 2023, highest in Asia.
04
Dog ownership rate among 20-30 year olds hit 42% in urban areas in 2022.
05
Small dog breeds like Maltese accounted for 55% of 6 million dogs in 2023.
06
Single-person households pet ownership rate reached 28% in 2023.
07
Elderly (65+) pet ownership grew to 15% of that demographic in 2022.
08
Exotic pets like hamsters numbered 1.2 million in Korea 2023.
09
Female pet owners outnumbered males 55% to 45% in 2023 survey.
10
Apartment dwellers owned 70% of all pets in Seoul in 2022.
11
Pet registration rate reached 85% for dogs in major cities in 2023.
12
Number of pet birds owned estimated at 800,000 in 2023.
13
Multi-pet households increased to 12% of total pet owners in 2022.
14
Youth (under 20) pet ownership at 18% household penetration in 2023.
15
Rural pet ownership lagged urban at 22% vs 38% in 2023.
16
Purebred dogs made up 62% of total canine population in 2022.
17
Pet fish ownership totaled 3.5 million units in households 2023.
18
Adoption rates from shelters rose 15% to 50,000 pets in 2023.
19
Pet ownership in Busan reached 1.1 million animals in 2022.
20
In 2023, rabbits owned numbered 500,000 in households.
21
Pet ownership in Daegu 850,000 animals registered.
22
Indoor cats 80% of total feline population in cities.
Interpretation
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.
05 · Category
Pet Services & Healthcare19 stats
01
Grooming services revenue per visit averaged 80,000 KRW in Seoul 2023.
02
Number of veterinary clinics reached 8,500 in South Korea by 2023.
03
Pet insurance claims paid out 250 billion KRW in 2023.
04
Average annual vet spend per pet owner 500,000 KRW in 2022.
05
Pet hospital visits increased 20% to 25 million annually in 2023.
06
Boarding services utilized by 30% of pet owners yearly, market 700 billion KRW.
07
Pet daycare centers grew to 2,000 locations in 2023.
08
Emergency vet services 24/7 available in 60% of clinics.
09
Pet physiotherapy and rehab services up 35% to 100 billion KRW.
10
Vaccination rates for dogs at 92% in urban Korea 2023.
11
Pet dental care procedures rose 28% in 2022.
12
Mobile vet services bookings increased 45% via apps in 2023.
13
Spay/neuter surgeries totaled 300,000 cases in 2023.
14
Pet cafe visits averaged 5 million monthly in major cities.
15
Training classes enrollment 150,000 pet owners in 2023.
16
Pet grooming salons 12,000 nationwide, revenue 1 trillion KRW.
17
Telemedicine for pets consultations up 60% to 1 million sessions.
18
Pet funeral services market 80 billion KRW in 2023.
19
Wellness check-ups annual rate 65% among owners.
Interpretation
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.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
David Sutherland. (2026, February 13). Korean Pet Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/korean-pet-industry-statistics
MLA
David Sutherland. "Korean Pet Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/korean-pet-industry-statistics.
Chicago
David Sutherland. 2026. "Korean Pet Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/korean-pet-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
100 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
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