Area A (95,790㎡) of Gyeonggi Pet Maru Yeoju includes an animal protection wing, a cultural center, and a veterinary hospital. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
YEOJU, June 21 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s largest pet-friendly complex is scheduled to open next month. On Wednesday, Gyeonggi Province announced that it will first open Area A, spanning 95,790 square meters, of the “Gyeonggi Pet Maru Yeoju.” This pet cultural space is built on a total area of 165,000 square meters in Sanggeo-dong, Yeoju, and is set to open at the end of July.
The name “Pet Maru” translates to “a space where pets gather and talk.” The province aims to establish pet complex cultural spaces in different regions, and thus the facility opening in Yeoju in July will be named “Gyeonggi Pet Maru Yeoju.” Additionally, the pet complex currently under construction in Hwaseong will be called “Gyeonggi Pet Maru Hwaseong” once it is completed.
Scheduled to open to the public in July, the facility is designed to realize the vision of “Gyeonggi where people and animals are happy together.” It will consist of five buildings dedicated to pet adoption, protection, and education.
Area A (95,790㎡) of Gyeonggi Pet Maru Yeoju includes an animal protection wing, a cultural center, and a veterinary hospital. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
The complex cultural space will host various programs aimed at fostering a responsible pet culture, including free sales of abandoned animals and education on respecting animal life. The facility will feature an adoption and protection space for abandoned animals, grooming and bathing rooms, playgrounds, counseling rooms, offices, and a pet culture center.
In addition, Gyeonggi Province, in collaboration with the Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation, recently organized “Another Family, 2023 Gyeonggi-do Pet Star (PETSTA)” on June 3 and 4 at the former Gyeonggi-do Office Paldal Office.
The event aimed to promote a healthy pet culture and provided an opportunity for both pet owners and non-pet owners to enjoy each other’s company while interacting with marginalized abandoned animals. Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon emphasized the province’s commitment to creating a pet paradise.
During the Pet Star event on June 3, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon (left) engaged in a conversation with renowned dog trainer Kang Hyung-wook. Governor Kim quoted Trainer Kang Hyung-wook, who expressed his belief that a harmonious relationship between humans and pets will become a reality within 15 years, and commended Gyeonggi Province for taking the lead in making this vision come true.
“Gyeonggi Province is the first and only province in the country to establish a Livestock and Animal Welfare Bureau, and we also have a special judicial police unit dedicated to combating animal abuse,” said Governor Kim.
“This summer, we will be opening a pet-friendly center in Yeoju. It is the largest and finest facility in Korea, catering not only to stray pets but also providing a space for pet families to play together. We invite you to come and visit us when it opens.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
