One of the unexpected joys of expat life in Korea is discovering that even taking your dog to the vet feels like a win — especially when the bill arrives.
Today Olive went to the vet for her vaccinations and a hair cut. I know it is winter but this girl was just way too moppy so I said shave her. So for 66,000 W (which is way cheaper than the states, Hollywood Houdz costs $55.00 for just a groom) Olive got her yearly vac. a groom and dumbo ears 🙂
this was her a few weeks ago
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.
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Remarkably livable once the initial adjustment passes. Korea is safe, efficient, and welcoming to families. The food culture is extraordinary. Kids adapt faster than adults. Most expat families describe Korea as having raised their standard for what a city should offer.
The children’s museums in Seoul are world class. Korean street food is an adventure for kids of all ages. Palaces and traditional villages give history a physical form that works for children. The playgrounds and outdoor spaces in Korean cities are genuinely excellent.
Korea is excellent for adventurous young eaters. Korean fried chicken is universally beloved. Kimbap rice rolls are approachable for most kids. Street food culture especially tteokbokki corn dogs and hotteok pancakes is a huge hit with children.
Apps like Duolingo and Pimsleur help with the alphabet and basics. Koreans are generally patient and appreciative of any effort. Kids pick up Korean in school environments much faster than adults do in language classes.
Pros: extraordinary safety, excellent public transport, amazing food, strong medical system. Cons: language barrier for adults, air quality issues in spring, and the social insularity that can make deep friendships slow to develop.
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Olive, you'll need a sweate for a long time. Love, Dusty
Hi Nicole and Adam, Your blog has inspired me to bring my dog to Korea to teach English so thank you for posting your adventures with Olive. Could I ask you what you did with Olive while you were at work? Do you know if some schools would allow me to bring her to work? Would it be easy to get neighbours to pet sit for us? Thanks,Cherrie