Pet ownership in Korea has reached a record 15.46 million people (반려인), nearly 30% of the population.
Around 5.91 million households (가구) now have pets, mostly dogs (강아지) and cats (고양이). However, over 80% of pets are left home alone (혼자 집에 있음) for nearly 6 hours daily. This rise in pet culture (반려동물 문화) is changing how Koreans live and spend.
Pet ownership in South Korea rose rapidly after the 1990s, as incomes grew and urban living shifted. By the 2000s, pets became status symbols and emotional companions. Aging society, delayed marriage, and solo households (1인 가구) fueled demand. The pet industry now exceeds ₩6 trillion, with growing focus on wellness, premium food, and pet tech.
Vocabulary:
-Compare people to animals part one and part two
