Q: How much does it cost to take a dog to the vet in South Korea? A: We paid 66,000 won — roughly $60 US dollars — for Olive’s annual vaccinations AND a full grooming session combined. Back home in the US we were paying $55 just for a groom alone. Veterinary care and pet grooming in Korea is significantly more affordable than in the US making it one of the many financial wins of expat life here.

Q: Is it easy to find a vet in South Korea as an expat? A: Yes — vets are plentiful in Korean cities and towns and many are accustomed to treating pets owned by foreign residents. While language can occasionally be a barrier the quality of care we experienced was excellent and the pricing made every visit feel refreshingly straightforward compared to US veterinary costs.

Q: Can you bring your dog to South Korea as an expat? A: Yes — bringing a pet to South Korea requires up to date vaccinations, a health certificate from a licensed vet and advance research into Korean import regulations which vary depending on your country of origin. Once you are settled however having a dog in Korea is very manageable and Koreans are generally very warm toward pets.

Q: Is South Korea a dog friendly country? A: Korea has a rapidly growing pet culture and dogs are increasingly welcome in many public spaces, cafes and parks especially in larger cities like Seoul and Busan. The pet grooming and veterinary industry has grown enormously in recent years reflecting how central dogs have become to Korean family life.

Q: What are the costs of pet ownership in South Korea compared to the US? A: Generally significantly lower — from vet visits to grooming to pet food and accessories Korea offers excellent value for pet owners. Our experience with Olive consistently surprised us with how affordable quality pet care was compared to what we had been paying back home.