As the culture of recognizing pets not merely as animals to be raised but as cherished family members deepens, South Korea's pet industry is rapidly diversifying. Moving beyond traditional consumption areas such as feed, snacks, and clothing, the market is expanding into pet-exclusive accommodations, experiential programs, and wellness services aimed at emotional bonding.

In particular, services that allow pets and their owners to experience and enjoy activities together are emerging as a new competitive edge in the market.

BYC Launches 12 Winter Apparel Items for Dogs

BYC, a well-known apparel brand, is introducing its 2026 Fall/Winter (FW) new products for its pet clothing brand, "Garyas."

The latest collection features retro designs while prioritizing winter warmth and mobility. Comprising 12 product categories and 23 color variations, the lineup includes fleece vests, red thermal innerwear, kimchi-pad quilted vests, and cable-knit sweaters. Winter accessories such as beanies, scarves, and neck warmers are also released alongside the clothing.

From October 12 to 25, BYC held a pre-order event on its official online mall, offering a 30% discount to customers who pre-ordered. The pet clothing market is expanding into a functional consumption area that simultaneously considers warmth, ease of wear, and physical activity, rather than focusing solely on fashion.

Pulmuone Amio and Sono Pet Expand Partnerships Combining Food and Stays

Brand collaborations combining pet-exclusive food and accommodation services are on the rise.

Pulmuone’s pet food brand, "Pulmuone Amio," is running the "Good Food, Good Joy" campaign in partnership with Sono Pet Club & Resorts through February of next year. Visitors to Sono Pet in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, are provided with a welcome kit consisting of Pulmuone Amio products. Events are also hosted, such as gifting tofu snacks upon ordering "Meongpuccino"—a beverage exclusively for dogs—at resort food and beverage outlets.

This collaboration is drawing attention for successfully connecting pet-exclusive food with travel and lodging experiences.

Support activities for abandoned dogs are also conducted in parallel. Pulmuone Amio plans to regularly supply feed to abandoned dogs currently under temporary protection at Sono Pet, and gift feed once their adoption is finalized. Additionally, in November, Pulmuone, Sono Pet, and the KU I'm Dognor Blood Donor Center plan to host a "Healing Stay for Blood Donor Hero Dogs."

Wellness Programs for Dogs and Their Owners Emerge

Sono International's Sono Pet Club & Resorts introduced wellness classes designed for the emotional bonding of dogs and their owners.

The program utilizes the sounds and vibrations of singing bowls for a meditation session, where one owner and one dog participate as a single team. Conducted in collaboration with the pet wellness brand "Petrients," this program was designed for pets and owners to experience relaxation together in the same space.

This case demonstrates that pet-related services are evolving beyond simple convenience provision to prioritize relationships and shared experiences between owners and their pets.

The New Competitive Edge of the Pet Industry: Customized Experiences

Changes in the pet industry manifest primarily through three major trends:

First, customized products tailored to the size, living environment, and seasonal characteristics of pets are expanding.

Second, accommodation, travel, and food and beverage services that can be enjoyed alongside pets are integrating.

Third, experiential programs in which owners and pets participate together are emerging as a new service sector.

Industry experts anticipate that the importance of comprehensive services encompassing healthcare, education, emotional bonding, and leisure activities—going far beyond the traditional necessities of food, clothing, and shelter—will continue to grow.

Amid the spread of a consumer culture that treats pets like family, South Korea's pet industry is broadening its scope from product-centric sales to a service industry that supports the overall lives of pets and their owners.

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