Move over, luxury cars and designer bags—in South Korea, the new status symbol has four paws and a purr, with the pet industry exploding to a staggering 5.1 trillion KRW in 2023 as pets become deeply integrated members of the modern family.
Key Takeaways
- South Korea's pet industry market size was valued at approximately 4.3 trillion KRW in 2022, reflecting a 10.2% year-over-year growth driven by increased pet ownership.
- The overall pet market revenue in South Korea reached 5.1 trillion KRW by the end of 2023, with pet food accounting for 45% of total sales.
- South Korea's pet supplies segment generated 1.8 trillion KRW in 2023, up 15% from 2022 due to demand for premium products.
- Number of pet-owning households in South Korea reached 6.6 million in 2023, representing 29.2% of all households.
- Dog ownership: 5.8 million dogs registered as pets in 2023, up 8% from 2022.
- Cat ownership surged to 2.9 million cats in households by end of 2023.
- Pet food market in South Korea valued at 2.2 trillion KRW in 2023, with dry food at 55% share.
- Premium pet food sales grew 18% to 1.0 trillion KRW in 2023.
- Wet pet food segment: 0.7 trillion KRW, 25% CAGR 2020-2023.
- Pet supplies market excluding food: 1.9 trillion KRW in 2023.
- Pet toys sales: 0.35 trillion KRW, interactive toys 40% share 2023.
- Grooming products revenue: 0.42 trillion KRW in 2023.
- 65% of South Korean pet owners consider pets as family members in 2023 survey.
- Average annual spending per pet-owning household: 7.2 million KRW in 2023.
- 72% of owners buy premium/human-grade pet food, up from 55% in 2020.
South Korea's pet industry is booming as owners increasingly treat pets like family.
Consumer Trends and Behavior
165% of South Korean pet owners consider pets as family members in 2023 survey.
Verified2Average annual spending per pet-owning household: 7.2 million KRW in 2023.
Verified372% of owners buy premium/human-grade pet food, up from 55% in 2020.
Verified4Online shopping for pet products: 68% preference among under-40 owners 2023.
Directional5Pet birthday celebrations: 45% of dog owners host events annually 2023.
Single source6Social media pet content engagement: 82% owners share photos weekly 2023.
Verified7Eco-friendly pet products preference: 58% among urban owners 2023.
Verified8Pet travel/vacation inclusion: 39% take pets on trips yearly 2023.
Verified9Health monitoring wearables for pets: 22% adoption rate in 2023.
Directional10Vegan/plant-based pet food trial: 15% of owners tested in 2023.
Single source11Gender shift: Women 62% primary pet shoppers, men 38% in 2023.
Verified12Impulse buying at pet stores: 51% admit to unplanned purchases 2023.
Verified13Loyalty programs usage: 76% enrolled in pet brand apps 2023.
Verified14Pet cafe visits: 3.5 million annually by owners in 2023.
Directional15Subscription box popularity: 28% subscribe monthly for toys/treats 2023.
Single source16Customization demand: 41% seek personalized pet nutrition 2023.
Verified17Influencer impact: 35% purchase based on pet influencers 2023.
Verified18Post-COVID pet bonding: 89% report stronger emotional ties 2023.
Verified19Multi-species ownership trend: 12% increase to 14% households 2023.
Directional20Night-time pet sleeping together: 67% of owners allow 2023.
Single source21Annual vet visit rate: 78% for dogs, 65% for cats in 2023.
Verified22Preventive care spending up 20% to avg 1.5M KRW per pet 2023.
Verified23Solo living pet owners: 55% cite companionship as main reason 2023.
Verified24Gift buying for pets: 48% during holidays, avg 0.5M KRW 2023.
Directional25Smart home integration for pets: 18% use feeders/cameras 2023.
Single source26Sustainability labeling influence: 62% more likely to buy 2023.
Verified27Pet obesity concern: 44% actively managing weight 2023.
Verified28Local vs imported preference shift: 52% favor Korean brands 2023.
Verified29AR try-on for pet clothes: 25% usage in apps 2023.
DirectionalConsumer Trends and Behavior Interpretation
South Korea has wholeheartedly decided that pets are family, and its booming industry now reflects the lavish, tech-integrated, and emotionally charged lifestyle such a decision entails.
Market Size and Revenue
1South Korea's pet industry market size was valued at approximately 4.3 trillion KRW in 2022, reflecting a 10.2% year-over-year growth driven by increased pet ownership.
Verified2The overall pet market revenue in South Korea reached 5.1 trillion KRW by the end of 2023, with pet food accounting for 45% of total sales.
Verified3South Korea's pet supplies segment generated 1.8 trillion KRW in 2023, up 15% from 2022 due to demand for premium products.
Verified4Total pet industry expenditure in South Korea hit 4.8 trillion KRW in 2021, with a CAGR of 8.5% from 2017-2021.
Directional5The pet services market in South Korea was worth 0.9 trillion KRW in 2023, growing at 12% annually.
Single source6South Korea pet market projected to reach 6.2 trillion KRW by 2027, with 9.8% CAGR from 2023.
Verified7In 2023, online pet product sales contributed 1.2 trillion KRW to the total pet market.
Verified8Pet industry GDP contribution in South Korea estimated at 0.25% in 2022, equating to 4.5 trillion KRW.
Verified9Luxury pet products segment valued at 0.6 trillion KRW in 2023, 20% growth YoY.
Directional10Total pet retail sales in South Korea: 3.2 trillion KRW offline and 1.1 trillion KRW online in 2023.
Single source11South Korea pet grooming services revenue: 0.45 trillion KRW in 2022, projected 11% growth to 2025.
Verified12Pet healthcare market size in South Korea: 0.75 trillion KRW in 2023.
Verified13E-commerce pet market share in South Korea rose to 28% of total 4.9 trillion KRW in 2023.
Verified14Pet food wholesale market: 2.1 trillion KRW in 2022.
Directional15Veterinary services revenue: 1.0 trillion KRW, comprising 20% of pet industry in 2023.
Single source16Pet apparel and accessories: 0.55 trillion KRW sales in 2023.
Verified17Total pet industry exports from South Korea: 0.3 trillion KRW in 2023.
Verified18Imports of pet products: 1.5 trillion KRW, 35% of market supply in 2022.
Verified19Pet cafe and boarding market: 0.25 trillion KRW in 2023.
Directional20Organic pet products segment: 0.15 trillion KRW, 25% YoY growth in 2023.
Single source21Pet insurance market penetration led to 0.1 trillion KRW premiums in 2023.
Verified22Franchise pet stores revenue: 0.8 trillion KRW across 5,000 outlets in 2023.
Verified23Independent pet shops: 1.2 trillion KRW, 40% market share in 2022.
Verified24Department store pet sections: 0.4 trillion KRW sales in 2023.
Directional25Pet market CAGR forecast 2024-2028: 10.5%, reaching 7.5 trillion KRW.
Single source26Seoul metropolitan pet market: 2.8 trillion KRW, 60% of national total in 2023.
Verified27Provincial pet markets combined: 1.9 trillion KRW in 2023.
Verified28Millennial-driven pet spending: 2.5 trillion KRW in 2023.
Verified29Senior citizen pet expenses: 0.9 trillion KRW, 20% of total in 2022.
Directional30Corporate pet welfare programs expenditure: 0.05 trillion KRW in 2023.
Single sourceMarket Size and Revenue Interpretation
It appears that South Koreans are lavishing such princely sums on their pets that the nation's furry overlords are not only dining better than many humans but are also single-handedly propping up a luxury goods sector worthy of a tiny, well-groomed monarchy.
Pet Care Products and Services
1Pet supplies market excluding food: 1.9 trillion KRW in 2023.
Verified2Pet toys sales: 0.35 trillion KRW, interactive toys 40% share 2023.
Verified3Grooming products revenue: 0.42 trillion KRW in 2023.
Verified4Pet apparel market: 0.28 trillion KRW, seasonal clothing 55% 2023.
Directional5Beds and housing: 0.31 trillion KRW pet supplies sales 2023.
Single source6Veterinary pharmaceuticals: 0.65 trillion KRW in 2023.
Verified7Pet insurance policies sold: 1.2 million, premiums 0.15 trillion KRW 2023.
Verified8Grooming salons: 12,000 outlets generating 0.5 trillion KRW 2023.
Verified9Pet hotels/boarding: 8,500 facilities, 0.35 trillion KRW revenue 2023.
Directional10Training services market: 0.12 trillion KRW in 2023.
Single source11Pet waste management products: 0.08 trillion KRW sales 2023.
Verified12Carriers and travel gear: 0.22 trillion KRW 2023.
Verified13Health supplements (vitamins): 0.25 trillion KRW pet care 2023.
Verified14Flea/tick control products: 0.18 trillion KRW annual sales 2023.
Directional15Dental care products for pets: 0.11 trillion KRW 2023.
Single source16Aquariums and fish supplies: 0.09 trillion KRW submarket 2023.
Verified17Bird cages and accessories: 0.05 trillion KRW 2023.
Verified18Mobile vet services: 0.07 trillion KRW revenue growth 25% 2023.
Verified19Pet daycare centers: 4,200 locations, 0.28 trillion KRW 2023.
Directional20Telemedicine vet consultations: 0.03 trillion KRW emerging 2023.
Single source21Luxury pet spas: 0.06 trillion KRW in high-end services 2023.
Verified22Robotic pet feeders sales: 0.04 trillion KRW smart tech 2023.
Verified23GPS trackers for pets: 0.09 trillion KRW units sold 1.5M 2023.
Verified24Online pet supply platforms revenue: 0.95 trillion KRW 2023.
Directional25Offline pet specialty stores: 15,000 shops, 1.1 trillion KRW 2023.
Single sourcePet Care Products and Services Interpretation
While South Korea's 1.9 trillion KRW pet supply market proves our furry overlords are living better than ever, it's comforting to see that after splurging on 0.28 trillion KRW worth of seasonal pet apparel and 0.35 trillion KRW on boarding hotels, their 1.2 million insurance policies and 0.65 trillion KRW in veterinary pharmaceuticals show we're still responsibly worried about their well-being.
Pet Food Market
1Pet food market in South Korea valued at 2.2 trillion KRW in 2023, with dry food at 55% share.
Verified2Premium pet food sales grew 18% to 1.0 trillion KRW in 2023.
Verified3Wet pet food segment: 0.7 trillion KRW, 25% CAGR 2020-2023.
Verified4Dog food market: 1.5 trillion KRW, cat food 0.7 trillion KRW in 2023.
Directional5Organic pet food sales: 0.2 trillion KRW, 30% growth in 2023.
Single source6Imported pet food: 60% of total market, valued at 1.3 trillion KRW 2023.
Verified7Domestic pet food production: 0.9 trillion KRW in 2023.
Verified8Online pet food sales: 0.8 trillion KRW, 35% of category total 2023.
Verified9Treats and snacks: 0.4 trillion KRW pet food subsegment in 2023.
Directional10Grain-free pet food demand: 25% market share growth to 0.3 trillion KRW 2023.
Single source11Raw/fresh pet food emerging segment: 0.1 trillion KRW in 2023.
Verified12Puppy/kitten starter food: 0.25 trillion KRW sales 2023.
Verified13Senior pet food: 0.3 trillion KRW, targeting aging pet population 2023.
Verified14Hypoallergenic pet food: 0.15 trillion KRW in 2023.
Directional15Pet food subscription services: 0.12 trillion KRW revenue 2023.
Single source16Canned pet food imports from Thailand: 0.2 trillion KRW 2023.
Verified17US pet food exports to Korea: 0.4 trillion KRW in 2023.
Verified18Local brands market share: 28% of pet food in 2023.
Verified19Mars Petcare Korea sales: 0.35 trillion KRW pet food 2023.
Directional20Nestle Purina Korea: 0.28 trillion KRW in dog/cat food 2023.
Single source21CJ Cheiljedang pet food division: 0.22 trillion KRW 2023.
Verified22Pet treats market CAGR: 14% to 0.5 trillion KRW by 2025.
Verified23Functional pet food (probiotics): 0.18 trillion KRW 2023.
Verified24Pet food e-commerce platforms like Gmarket: 0.6 trillion KRW 2023.
DirectionalPet Food Market Interpretation
While dry kibble still reigns supreme, South Korean pets are increasingly dining like gourmet citizens of a global pantry, with their humans splurging on premium imports, organic feasts, and specialized meals delivered by subscription—proving that in the quest for pet wellness, no treat is too small and no online cart is safe.
Pet Ownership Statistics
1Number of pet-owning households in South Korea reached 6.6 million in 2023, representing 29.2% of all households.
Verified2Dog ownership: 5.8 million dogs registered as pets in 2023, up 8% from 2022.
Verified3Cat ownership surged to 2.9 million cats in households by end of 2023.
Verified4Total pet population in South Korea: 9.2 million in 2023, with dogs at 64% and cats 32%.
Directional5Urban pet ownership rate: 35% of households in cities like Seoul in 2023.
Single source6Rural pet ownership: 18% of households, primarily dogs for companionship in 2022.
Verified7Single-person households pet ownership: 42% in 2023, highest demographic.
Verified8Families with children under 12: 22% pet ownership rate in 2023.
Verified9Elderly (65+) households: 25% own pets, mostly small dogs in 2023.
Directional10Millennials (25-39) pet owners: 3.2 million households in 2023.
Single source11Gen Z (18-24) pet ownership: 15% penetration, fastest growing in 2023.
Verified12Male pet owners: 48% of total, female 52% in 2023 survey.
Verified13Apartment dwellers pet ownership: 28% in 2023, despite regulations.
Verified14Homeowners vs renters: 35% vs 22% pet ownership in 2022.
Directional15Exotic pets ownership: 0.3 million, including birds and reptiles in 2023.
Single source16Small dog breeds (under 10kg): Owned by 75% of dog owners in 2023.
Verified17Large dog breeds: 12% of dog population, mostly in suburbs 2023.
Verified18Purebred dogs: 85% of registered dogs in 2023.
Verified19Mixed breed dogs: 1.0 million, popular for affordability in 2023.
Directional20Indoor cats: 92% of cat owners keep them indoors in 2023.
Single source21Multi-pet households: 18% own 2+ pets in 2023.
Verified22First-time pet owners in 2023: 1.2 million households.
Verified23Pet abandonment rate dropped to 0.8% of owned pets in 2023.
Verified24Adoption vs purchase: 35% adopted pets in 2023.
Directional25Pet registration compliance: 92% for dogs over 2kg in 2023.
Single source26Seoul pet households: 2.1 million in 2023.
Verified27Busan pet ownership: 0.6 million households, 25% rate in 2023.
Verified28Incheon cat owners: 0.4 million cats registered 2023.
Verified29Daegu dog population: 0.5 million in 2023.
DirectionalPet Ownership Statistics Interpretation
In South Korea, pets are now the nation's favorite new family member, with apartment-dwelling millennials and solitary Gen Zers leading a charge that has cats surging in popularity, dogs reigning supreme in small, purebred form, and even the historically low abandonment rate politely bowing to a culture that is increasingly choosing adoption and responsible indoor companionship.
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