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
- 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.
- Online shopping for pet products: 68% preference among under-40 owners 2023.
- Pet birthday celebrations: 45% of dog owners host events annually 2023.
- Social media pet content engagement: 82% owners share photos weekly 2023.
- Eco-friendly pet products preference: 58% among urban owners 2023.
- Pet travel/vacation inclusion: 39% take pets on trips yearly 2023.
- Health monitoring wearables for pets: 22% adoption rate in 2023.
- Vegan/plant-based pet food trial: 15% of owners tested in 2023.
- Gender shift: Women 62% primary pet shoppers, men 38% in 2023.
- Impulse buying at pet stores: 51% admit to unplanned purchases 2023.
- Loyalty programs usage: 76% enrolled in pet brand apps 2023.
- Pet cafe visits: 3.5 million annually by owners in 2023.
- Subscription box popularity: 28% subscribe monthly for toys/treats 2023.
- Customization demand: 41% seek personalized pet nutrition 2023.
- Influencer impact: 35% purchase based on pet influencers 2023.
- Post-COVID pet bonding: 89% report stronger emotional ties 2023.
- Multi-species ownership trend: 12% increase to 14% households 2023.
- Night-time pet sleeping together: 67% of owners allow 2023.
- Annual vet visit rate: 78% for dogs, 65% for cats in 2023.
- Preventive care spending up 20% to avg 1.5M KRW per pet 2023.
- Solo living pet owners: 55% cite companionship as main reason 2023.
- Gift buying for pets: 48% during holidays, avg 0.5M KRW 2023.
- Smart home integration for pets: 18% use feeders/cameras 2023.
- Sustainability labeling influence: 62% more likely to buy 2023.
- Pet obesity concern: 44% actively managing weight 2023.
- Local vs imported preference shift: 52% favor Korean brands 2023.
- AR try-on for pet clothes: 25% usage in apps 2023.
Consumer 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
- 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.
- Total pet industry expenditure in South Korea hit 4.8 trillion KRW in 2021, with a CAGR of 8.5% from 2017-2021.
- The pet services market in South Korea was worth 0.9 trillion KRW in 2023, growing at 12% annually.
- South Korea pet market projected to reach 6.2 trillion KRW by 2027, with 9.8% CAGR from 2023.
- In 2023, online pet product sales contributed 1.2 trillion KRW to the total pet market.
- Pet industry GDP contribution in South Korea estimated at 0.25% in 2022, equating to 4.5 trillion KRW.
- Luxury pet products segment valued at 0.6 trillion KRW in 2023, 20% growth YoY.
- Total pet retail sales in South Korea: 3.2 trillion KRW offline and 1.1 trillion KRW online in 2023.
- South Korea pet grooming services revenue: 0.45 trillion KRW in 2022, projected 11% growth to 2025.
- Pet healthcare market size in South Korea: 0.75 trillion KRW in 2023.
- E-commerce pet market share in South Korea rose to 28% of total 4.9 trillion KRW in 2023.
- Pet food wholesale market: 2.1 trillion KRW in 2022.
- Veterinary services revenue: 1.0 trillion KRW, comprising 20% of pet industry in 2023.
- Pet apparel and accessories: 0.55 trillion KRW sales in 2023.
- Total pet industry exports from South Korea: 0.3 trillion KRW in 2023.
- Imports of pet products: 1.5 trillion KRW, 35% of market supply in 2022.
- Pet cafe and boarding market: 0.25 trillion KRW in 2023.
- Organic pet products segment: 0.15 trillion KRW, 25% YoY growth in 2023.
- Pet insurance market penetration led to 0.1 trillion KRW premiums in 2023.
- Franchise pet stores revenue: 0.8 trillion KRW across 5,000 outlets in 2023.
- Independent pet shops: 1.2 trillion KRW, 40% market share in 2022.
- Department store pet sections: 0.4 trillion KRW sales in 2023.
- Pet market CAGR forecast 2024-2028: 10.5%, reaching 7.5 trillion KRW.
- Seoul metropolitan pet market: 2.8 trillion KRW, 60% of national total in 2023.
- Provincial pet markets combined: 1.9 trillion KRW in 2023.
- Millennial-driven pet spending: 2.5 trillion KRW in 2023.
- Senior citizen pet expenses: 0.9 trillion KRW, 20% of total in 2022.
- Corporate pet welfare programs expenditure: 0.05 trillion KRW in 2023.
Market 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
- 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.
- Pet apparel market: 0.28 trillion KRW, seasonal clothing 55% 2023.
- Beds and housing: 0.31 trillion KRW pet supplies sales 2023.
- Veterinary pharmaceuticals: 0.65 trillion KRW in 2023.
- Pet insurance policies sold: 1.2 million, premiums 0.15 trillion KRW 2023.
- Grooming salons: 12,000 outlets generating 0.5 trillion KRW 2023.
- Pet hotels/boarding: 8,500 facilities, 0.35 trillion KRW revenue 2023.
- Training services market: 0.12 trillion KRW in 2023.
- Pet waste management products: 0.08 trillion KRW sales 2023.
- Carriers and travel gear: 0.22 trillion KRW 2023.
- Health supplements (vitamins): 0.25 trillion KRW pet care 2023.
- Flea/tick control products: 0.18 trillion KRW annual sales 2023.
- Dental care products for pets: 0.11 trillion KRW 2023.
- Aquariums and fish supplies: 0.09 trillion KRW submarket 2023.
- Bird cages and accessories: 0.05 trillion KRW 2023.
- Mobile vet services: 0.07 trillion KRW revenue growth 25% 2023.
- Pet daycare centers: 4,200 locations, 0.28 trillion KRW 2023.
- Telemedicine vet consultations: 0.03 trillion KRW emerging 2023.
- Luxury pet spas: 0.06 trillion KRW in high-end services 2023.
- Robotic pet feeders sales: 0.04 trillion KRW smart tech 2023.
- GPS trackers for pets: 0.09 trillion KRW units sold 1.5M 2023.
- Online pet supply platforms revenue: 0.95 trillion KRW 2023.
- Offline pet specialty stores: 15,000 shops, 1.1 trillion KRW 2023.
Pet 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
- 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.
- Dog food market: 1.5 trillion KRW, cat food 0.7 trillion KRW in 2023.
- Organic pet food sales: 0.2 trillion KRW, 30% growth in 2023.
- Imported pet food: 60% of total market, valued at 1.3 trillion KRW 2023.
- Domestic pet food production: 0.9 trillion KRW in 2023.
- Online pet food sales: 0.8 trillion KRW, 35% of category total 2023.
- Treats and snacks: 0.4 trillion KRW pet food subsegment in 2023.
- Grain-free pet food demand: 25% market share growth to 0.3 trillion KRW 2023.
- Raw/fresh pet food emerging segment: 0.1 trillion KRW in 2023.
- Puppy/kitten starter food: 0.25 trillion KRW sales 2023.
- Senior pet food: 0.3 trillion KRW, targeting aging pet population 2023.
- Hypoallergenic pet food: 0.15 trillion KRW in 2023.
- Pet food subscription services: 0.12 trillion KRW revenue 2023.
- Canned pet food imports from Thailand: 0.2 trillion KRW 2023.
- US pet food exports to Korea: 0.4 trillion KRW in 2023.
- Local brands market share: 28% of pet food in 2023.
- Mars Petcare Korea sales: 0.35 trillion KRW pet food 2023.
- Nestle Purina Korea: 0.28 trillion KRW in dog/cat food 2023.
- CJ Cheiljedang pet food division: 0.22 trillion KRW 2023.
- Pet treats market CAGR: 14% to 0.5 trillion KRW by 2025.
- Functional pet food (probiotics): 0.18 trillion KRW 2023.
- Pet food e-commerce platforms like Gmarket: 0.6 trillion KRW 2023.
Pet 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
- 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.
- Total pet population in South Korea: 9.2 million in 2023, with dogs at 64% and cats 32%.
- Urban pet ownership rate: 35% of households in cities like Seoul in 2023.
- Rural pet ownership: 18% of households, primarily dogs for companionship in 2022.
- Single-person households pet ownership: 42% in 2023, highest demographic.
- Families with children under 12: 22% pet ownership rate in 2023.
- Elderly (65+) households: 25% own pets, mostly small dogs in 2023.
- Millennials (25-39) pet owners: 3.2 million households in 2023.
- Gen Z (18-24) pet ownership: 15% penetration, fastest growing in 2023.
- Male pet owners: 48% of total, female 52% in 2023 survey.
- Apartment dwellers pet ownership: 28% in 2023, despite regulations.
- Homeowners vs renters: 35% vs 22% pet ownership in 2022.
- Exotic pets ownership: 0.3 million, including birds and reptiles in 2023.
- Small dog breeds (under 10kg): Owned by 75% of dog owners in 2023.
- Large dog breeds: 12% of dog population, mostly in suburbs 2023.
- Purebred dogs: 85% of registered dogs in 2023.
- Mixed breed dogs: 1.0 million, popular for affordability in 2023.
- Indoor cats: 92% of cat owners keep them indoors in 2023.
- Multi-pet households: 18% own 2+ pets in 2023.
- First-time pet owners in 2023: 1.2 million households.
- Pet abandonment rate dropped to 0.8% of owned pets in 2023.
- Adoption vs purchase: 35% adopted pets in 2023.
- Pet registration compliance: 92% for dogs over 2kg in 2023.
- Seoul pet households: 2.1 million in 2023.
- Busan pet ownership: 0.6 million households, 25% rate in 2023.
- Incheon cat owners: 0.4 million cats registered 2023.
- Daegu dog population: 0.5 million in 2023.
Pet 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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