The Short Answer
- Korea's entry quarantine comes down to 3 things — microchip, government-issued health certificate, and rabies antibody titer of 0.5 IU/ml or higher
- Have all three? You walk through same day. Missing even one? Your pet goes into quarantine holding until conditions are met — and you foot the entire bill
- The antibody test is valid for 24 months from the blood draw date. Pets from 59 rabies-free countries and those under 90 days old are exempt — but the mainland U.S., China, and Taiwan are not on that list
- Airline fees (one-way from Korea) range from ₩20,000 (Jin Air domestic) to ₩600,000 (Korean Air long-haul, 45kg). Most LCCs don't accept pets as checked baggage
- Once you're in Korea — subway, KTX, buses all require an enclosed carrier. Leashes must be 2m or shorter (₩200,000 fine for violations)
What Do You Actually Need to Bring a Pet to Korea?
A microchip, a health certificate, and a rabies antibody test result — that’s it. But here’s the thing: all three have to live on one piece of paper — the animal health certificate issued by your home country’s government. Your chip number and titer results don’t count as standalone documents. They have to be printed on the certificate itself to be accepted.
Korea’s dog and cat import quarantine system has been operating under current rules since December 1, 2012. Before that, a simple “rabies vaccination certificate” was enough — now, Korea demands not proof of vaccination, but proof that antibodies actually developed. A lot of old guides still floating around the internet are based on the pre-2012 rules. Follow those and you’ll get stopped at the airport.
Why an Antibody Test and Not Just a Vaccination Record?
Getting a rabies shot doesn't guarantee every animal develops protective immunity. A vaccination record just says "a shot was given." The antibody test measures whether immunity actually took hold. Korea has used the latter as its benchmark since 2012. If your pet's titer falls below the threshold after vaccination, you'll need a booster shot and a re-test.
The Microchip — Get the Spec Wrong and You’ll Need to Bring Your Own Scanner
Every dog and cat, regardless of age, must be microchipped. No exceptions — even a days-old puppy needs one. And the chip number must appear on the health certificate.
There’s one easily overlooked catch. Korea’s quarantine agency uses scanners that read international standard ISO 11784/11785 chips. If your pet has a non-ISO chip (common in the U.S. — certain 125kHz or AVID chips), you must bring your own compatible scanner. Don’t have one? Your pet gets re-chipped at the airport.
A 30-Second Pre-Flight Check
- Is the chip number 15 digits? → Likely ISO-compliant
- 9 or 10 digits? → Probably not ISO. Get it checked at your vet
- Compare the chip number on the health certificate against the actual scan — even a single digit off means re-chipping
- Chips can migrate and become unreadable. Have your vet do a live scan test before you leave
If your chip number happens to match one already registered to another animal in Korea, quarantine will be extended until identification is sorted out.
The Rabies Antibody Test — Where, When, and How Long It’s Good For
Three criteria matter here.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Titer level | Rabies neutralizing antibody titer of 0.5 IU/ml or higher |
| Method | FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization) or RFFIT (Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test) |
| Testing lab | Your exporting country’s government agency or an internationally approved rabies testing laboratory |
| Validity | Within 24 months of the blood draw date |
| Where it goes | Printed on the government-issued health certificate |
The list of internationally approved labs can be found on the EU Commission website (for EU member states) and Taiwan’s animal quarantine site. In the U.S., Kansas State University (KSU) Rabies Laboratory is the go-to.
Here’s the upside of that 24-month window: get tested once and the result is good for two years. If you travel to Korea often, or plan to leave and come back, factor this in — you won’t need a new titer test every trip.
Two Cases Where You Can Skip the Antibody Test
If Either One Applies, You Clear Quarantine Same Day — No Antibody Test Needed
- Under 90 days old — but your pet's date of birth must be verifiable on the health certificate
- Arriving from a rabies-free region — see the list below
In both cases, the microchip and health certificate are still mandatory. Only the antibody test is waived.
Is My Country Considered Rabies-Free?
Under the Quarantine Methods and Standards for Designated Quarantine Items (Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency Notice No. 2026-20, amended May 27, 2026), [Appendix 9] designates a total of 59 rabies-free countries and regions.
🌏 59 Rabies-Free Countries & Regions — Full Text of Notice No. 2026-20 [Appendix 9]
| Region | Countries & Territories |
|---|---|
| East & Southeast Asia (4) | Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brunei |
| South Asia (1) | Maldives |
| Oceania & Pacific (13) | Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Micronesia, Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna |
| Europe (24) | United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, San Marino, Andorra, Portugal, Malta, Cyprus, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania |
| Middle East (3) | United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait |
| Africa & Indian Ocean (7) | Djibouti, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, Réunion |
| Americas & Caribbean (7) | Jamaica, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Aruba, Cayman Islands, Guadeloupe, Martinique |
This List Isn't Set in Stone
The notice states that rabies-free status follows disease outbreak reports from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). If a country reports a rabies case to WOAH, it's automatically removed from the list. If it later declares itself rabies-free, it gets added back. The quarantine agency itself warns that the list "may change in real time — always confirm with quarantine authorities before entry."
Translation: don't check this list 3–4 months before your trip and assume it still holds. Recheck it right before you leave. The antibody test takes 2–3 weeks from blood draw to result — if your country gets dropped from the list right before departure, your whole timeline falls apart.
⚠️ The quarantine agency's FAQ page still has an outdated list from 2012 (the version that includes Taiwan, Malaysia, and the Dominican Republic). Notice [Appendix 9] is the authoritative source. If you skip the antibody test based on the old FAQ list, you'll end up in airport quarantine holding.
Contact: Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Animal Quarantine Division — +82-54-912-0426
What Must Be on the Health Certificate?
When you get the health certificate from your home country’s government agency, missing any of the following will cause problems on arrival.
Health Certificate Required Fields (per QIA)
- Date of birth
- Microchip implant number
- Rabies neutralizing antibody test result, test date, and testing lab name
- Issuing agency name and date of issuance
- Issuing officer's name and signature
- A statement that the animal is clinically healthy and poses no risk of spreading infectious animal diseases
If you’re departing from an EU member state, the EU Pet Passport can substitute for the health certificate. But the fine print in [Appendix 9] matters — it says “only where the exporting country is an EU member state (the UK is limited to Northern Ireland only)”. So a Pet Passport issued in Northern Ireland is accepted. One issued in England, Scotland, or Wales is not. If you’re departing from mainland UK, get a separate government-issued health certificate.
Australia and Malaysia: One Extra Document
| Country | Applies to | Additional Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Cats | Hendra/Nipah virus-free certification |
| Malaysia | Dogs & cats | Hendra/Nipah virus-free certification |
You can prove this one of two ways: ① certification that the exporting country or region (an administrative area at least the size of the Korean peninsula) has been free of the virus since its first report, or ② a blood test within 14 days before export + proof the animal was raised in a virus-free area for 60 days before export. Without this paperwork, your pet faces 21 days of quarantine holding and won’t be released until cleared.
What Happens If Your Paperwork Isn’t Complete?
Korea won’t send your pet back — with one hard exception. If there’s no government-issued health certificate at all, entry is impossible and your pet will be returned. Everything else just means “held until conditions are met.”
⏱️ Quarantine Period by Scenario (90+ Days Old)
| Scenario | Quarantine Period |
|---|---|
| Microchip ✅ + Antibody titer 0.5 IU/ml or higher ✅ | Same-day release |
| No microchip | Until chip is implanted |
| No antibody test | Until vaccinated + titer reaches 0.5 IU/ml or higher |
| Titer below 0.5 IU/ml | Until it reaches 0.5 IU/ml or higher |
| Neither | Until chip implanted + vaccinated + titer confirmed |
| No health certificate at all | Entry denied — returned |
Pets under 90 days old or from rabies-free regions get same-day release once the microchip is verified.
Quarantine holding takes place at the animal quarantine facility at your arrival airport or seaport. If the airport doesn’t have one, your pet gets transferred to the nearest facility. At Incheon Airport (Yeongjongdo), you can entrust care to a designated handler. At all other facilities, care is the owner’s responsibility.
6 Airlines, 6 Very Different Pet Fees
Here are the pet transport fees for six major airlines serving Korea. First thing to know: most airlines charge the same fee for in-cabin and checked baggage.
💰 Pet Transport Fees by Airline — Departing Korea, One-Way, Combined Weight (Pet + Carrier)
| Airline | Weight Limit | Domestic | Japan · China | Taiwan · Hong Kong | SE Asia · Guam | Americas · Europe · Oceania |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korean Air | ~32kg | ₩30,000 | ₩150,000 | ₩150,000 | ₩225,000 | ₩300,000 |
| Asiana Airlines | ~32kg | ₩30,000 | ₩140,000 | ₩140,000 | ₩210,000 | ₩290,000 |
| Jeju Air | ~9kg (in-cabin only) | ₩25,000 | ₩70,000 | ₩85,000 | ₩100,000 | No route |
| Jin Air (in-cabin) | ~9kg | ₩20,000 | ₩70,000 | ₩70,000 | ₩100,000 | No route |
| T’way Air | ~9kg (in-cabin only) | ₩30,000 | ₩100,000 | ₩150,000 | ₩200,000 | Not available |
| United Airlines | No weight limit | — | USD 150 | USD 150 | USD 150 | USD 150 |
The “under 32kg” bracket only exists on Korean Air and Asiana. Low-cost carriers are in-cabin only, so 9kg is the hard ceiling. United has no weight cap — just a flat fee. Korean Air and Asiana double the rate above 32kg.
🐕 Over 32kg to 45kg (Checked Baggage, Departing Korea, One-Way)
| Airline | Domestic | Japan · China · Taiwan | SE Asia · Guam | Americas · Europe · Oceania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korean Air | ₩60,000 | ₩300,000 | ₩450,000 | ₩600,000 |
| Asiana Airlines | ₩60,000 | ₩290,000 | ₩440,000 | ₩590,000 |
| Jin Air (B777 only) | ₩60,000 | ₩200,000 | ₩300,000 | No route |
| Jeju Air · T’way · United | - | - | - | Checked not available |
Jin Air’s under-32kg checked tier: domestic ₩30,000 / Japan·China·Taiwan ₩100,000 / SE Asia·Guam·Mongolia ₩150,000.
How to Read These Fee Tables — Three Gotchas
- Weight = pet + carrier combined. A 5kg dog in a 3kg hard crate = 8kg — which cuts it uncomfortably close to most LCCs' 9kg in-cabin cap
- These are one-way prices. Double them for round-trip
- Fees are recalculated based on the weight measured at the airport. Your scale at home and theirs may differ
In-Cabin Rules Compared
✈️ In-Cabin Conditions — Carrier Dimensions & Weight Limits
| Airline | Max Weight (pet + carrier) | Max Carrier Size | Per Person | Per Flight Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korean Air | 7kg | 32 × 45 × 19cm (soft 25cm) | 1 pet | Not disclosed |
| Asiana Airlines | 7kg | 32 × 45 × 21cm (soft 26cm) | 1 pet | Not disclosed |
| Jeju Air | 9kg | Sum of 3 sides 100cm, width 37 · height 23cm | 1 pet | 6 pets |
| Jin Air | 9kg | Sum of 3 sides 115cm, height 20cm (soft 26cm) | 1 pet | Not disclosed |
| T’way Air | 9kg | Width 37 · height 23cm (soft 26cm) | 1 pet | 6 pets |
| United Airlines | No weight limit | Hard 22 × 44 × 30cm / Soft 27 × 45 × 27cm | Up to 2 pets* | Not disclosed |
* United requires 2 seats if bringing 2 pets. A319, A320, A321neo, and 737 aircraft limit to 1 pet per person.
Low-Cost Carriers Don’t Do Checked Pets
This is the biggest constraint when flying an LCC.
| Airline | Checked Baggage | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Korean Air | ✅ Available | Under 45kg, sum of 3 sides 291cm · height 84cm max |
| Asiana Airlines | ✅ Available | Under 45kg, sum of 3 sides 285cm · height 84cm max |
| Jin Air | ⚠️ B777 aircraft only | Under 45kg, 2 pets per person, 5 per flight |
| Jeju Air | ❌ Not available | In-cabin only |
| T’way Air | ❌ Not available | In-cabin only |
| United Airlines | ❌ Not available | PetSafe cargo program also discontinued |
If you have a large dog, your realistic options are Korean Air, Asiana, or a separate cargo shipment. United ended its PetSafe cargo program — the only exceptions are active-duty military (PCS orders) and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel and their spouses.
T'way Long-Haul Routes — They Fly There, But Pets Don't
T'way now serves Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Zagreb, plus Sydney and Vancouver — but pets are not accepted on any of these routes. Connecting flights and multi-leg itineraries are also a flat no. The "T'way flies to Europe, so I can take my pet cheap" math does not work.
What About Snub-Nosed (Brachycephalic) Breeds?
Pugs, bulldogs, French bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Persian or Himalayan cats — flat-faced breeds are vulnerable to pressure changes and temperature swings, and in-cargo deaths have been documented repeatedly. Airlines have been phasing out cargo transport for them.
| Airline | Snub-Nosed Breed Policy |
|---|---|
| Korean Air | Checked cargo not allowed. In-cabin allowed if under 7kg |
| Asiana Airlines | Checked transport suspended as of July 1, 2019 |
| Jin Air | Checked not allowed (no separate in-cabin restriction stated) |
| Jeju Air · T’way | Checked doesn’t exist, so in-cabin only by default |
| United Airlines | No breed restrictions — in-cabin only anyway |
So a snub-nosed breed over 7kg is effectively blocked from both checked and in-cabin on passenger flights. Cargo is the remaining option, but Korean Air banned snub-nosed dogs and cats from cargo entirely as of October 1, 2020, and Asiana Cargo imposes a summer-season restriction (May 1–Sep 30 for most regions, year-round for Southeast Asia).
When Do You Need to Book?
- Korean Air — 48 hours before international departure / 24 hours domestic. Must book your ticket first, then request transport approval separately
- Asiana — 48 hours international / 24 hours domestic (business days only, excluding weekends & holidays). Phone confirmation through the reservation center is required
- Jin Air — 24 hours before departure. Walk-up at the airport is also possible
- T'way — International: 2 days before departure date. Airport walk-up bookings not accepted
- United — International flights: phone only. App and web bookings not available
Show up at the airport without approval and you'll be turned away — both in-cabin and checked. The most common mistake: buying a ticket and assuming you can just bring your pet on the day. You can't.
You've Landed at Incheon — Now Where Do You Go?
You need to see the animal quarantine officer before you go through customs. This sequence is everything. If you collect your luggage, pass through customs, and then ask “where’s quarantine?” — it’s already too late.
Arrival Walkthrough
- List your pet as a quarantine item on the customs declaration form handed out on the plane
- After picking up your luggage in the arrivals hall, visit the animal quarantine desk before going through customs
- Submit your health certificate → document review
- Physical microchip verification (scanner read checked against paperwork)
- Clinical inspection (visual health check)
- If all clear, import quarantine is completed on the spot → proceed to customs
☎️ Animal Quarantine Contact Numbers by Airport & Port
| Location | Phone |
|---|---|
| Incheon Airport Terminal 1 (T1) | 032-740-2660 |
| Incheon Airport Terminal 2 (T2) | 032-740-2028 |
| Incheon Airport Cargo Terminal | 032-740-2680 |
| Gimpo Airport | 02-2664-2601 |
| Gimhae Airport (Busan) | 051-971-1925 |
| Jeju Airport | 064-746-0761 |
| Daegu Airport | 053-982-5096 |
| Cheongju Airport | 043-273-0586 |
| Muan Airport | 062-975-6033 |
| Busan Port | 051-974-0408 |
| Incheon Port | 032-722-8238 |
Can You Take Public Transit with Your Pet in Korea?
Yes — but without exception, your pet must be in an enclosed carrier, out of sight. Just putting a leash on and holding them is a violation of the terms of carriage on subways, trains, and the airport railroad. This is the biggest difference from Europe and the U.S.
🚇 Pet Policies by Transit Type
| Transit | Carrier | Size & Weight | Fare | Vaccination Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul Subway | Required (enclosed) | Sum of sides under 158cm, 32kg max | Free | Not required |
| AREX (Airport Railroad) | Required | Sum of sides under 158cm, under 32kg | Free | Not required |
| City Bus | Required (dedicated carrier) | Under 50 × 40 × 20cm | Free | Not required |
| KTX · Mugunghwa | Required | About 45 × 30 × 25cm, under 10kg | Free at feet / adult fare if using seat | Required |
| SRT | Required | Under 60cm length, under 10kg | Free (no seat assignment) | Required |
| Express & Intercity Bus | Required | Under 50 × 40 × 20cm, 10kg max | Free | Not required |
| Taxi | Effectively required | Varies by company | Metered fare | Not required |
Only KTX and SRT require proof of vaccination. Article 22 of Korail’s Passenger Transport Terms specifies “pets that have received the necessary vaccinations.” In practice, ticket inspectors don’t check every time — but you need to be able to show it if asked.
The KTX Booking Trap — You Could Get Hit with a 10x Penalty
Keeping your pet carrier at your feet is free, but if it takes up the adjacent seat, you have to buy a ticket for that seat. And here's the kicker — you must purchase it at the adult fare. If you use a child, infant, or discount fare for that seat, it's considered fare evasion and you'll be charged 10 times the base fare as a penalty.
On SRT, seat assignment for pets isn't possible at all — the carrier must stay at your feet.
If you’re caught boarding without a carrier, you’ll be removed at the nearest station + hit with a ₩10,000 penalty (applies to both Seoul Subway and AREX).
Service Dogs Are a Different Story
A service dog with an official service dog tag cannot be denied access to public transit, public facilities, accommodations, or restaurants. This is backed by Article 40, Paragraph 3 of the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities. Refusing without just cause carries a fine of up to ₩3,000,000 (Article 90, Paragraph 3, Item 3).
At the quarantine stage, however, the rules shift. [Appendix 9], Section 1.A.1.c requires service dogs entering Korea to present “a service dog tag issued by the Minister of Health and Welfare under the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities.” Service dog certifications issued overseas (ADI, IGDF, etc.) don’t substitute for this. You’ll need to coordinate with the Ministry of Health and Welfare before traveling.
The upside: once the tag is confirmed, [Appendix 9] Section 1.A.1.d states that “if the clinical inspection reveals no abnormalities, verification of the service dog’s identification and rabies antibody titer is waived.”
Where Can You Go with Your Pet in Seoul?
Department Stores & Malls — Every Place Has Its Own Rules
🛍️ Pet Policies at Major Seoul Shopping Destinations
| Venue | Pets | Transport Method | Size Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Hyundai Seoul (Yeouido) | ⭕ | Pet stroller or carrier required, cover closed | No taller than 60cm or heavier than 20kg |
| Lotte World Mall · Lotte Department Store | ⭕ | Pet stroller or carrier required | No taller than 60cm or heavier than 20kg |
| IFC Mall (Yeouido) | ⭕ | Carrier, stroller, or 1m leash | Under 10kg; muzzle if taller than 40cm |
| Starfield (Hanam · Goyang · Anseong · Suwon) | ⭕ | 1.5m leash OK | Rental strollers for pets under 15kg |
| Starfield COEX Mall (Gangnam) | ❌ | Not allowed | — |
Two things to remember. First, not every Starfield location allows pets. COEX Mall in Gangnam is the lone holdout — the only Starfield with a pet ban. Second, every food court, café, and grocery section inside any commercial facility is off-limits, no exceptions.
⚠️ The Trap That Snags Foreign Visitors Most — Pet Registration
The Hyundai Seoul explicitly requires "pets that have completed animal registration" for entry, and all 16 of Seoul's public dog parks verify your Korean Animal Protection Act registration number. A pet you brought from overseas won't have a Korean registration — so in principle, you can be denied entry.
Seoul's official operating guidelines contain no exception clause for foreign tourists. If you're planning to visit a dog park, call ahead (02-2124-2835) to check.
Pet-Friendly Hotels — Seoul Caters to Small Dogs
🏨 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Seoul (Officially Confirmed)
| Hotel | Fee | Weight & Count |
|---|---|---|
| Aloft Seoul Gangnam | ₩30,000 / night · 1 pet | Up to 9kg |
| RYSE, Autograph Collection (Hongdae) | ₩65,000 / stay | Up to 2 pets per room |
| L’Escape Seoul Myeongdong | 1 pet ₩100,000 / 2 pets ₩160,000 (per 5 nights) | Under 10kg, up to 2 pets |
| Four Seasons Hotel Seoul (Gwanghwamun) | ₩250,000 / room | Under 10kg, 1 pet |
| Vista Walkerhill Seoul | Package from ₩589,000 | Under 15kg, 1 pet |
The heaviest confirmed limit is 15kg. No hotel in Seoul has been confirmed to accept large dogs. Every pet-friendly property bans pets from restaurants, bars, lounges, fitness centers, spas, and pools. Outside your room, pets must be in a carrier or pet stroller.
Hotel Booking Tips
- OTAs (Booking.com, Agoda, etc.) often don't reflect pet fees or pet-designated rooms. Book through the official site or by phone
- Korean hotels massively revised or dropped their pet policies after 2023–2024. Don't trust fee info found on blogs
- Andaz Seoul Gangnam, Grand Hyatt Seoul, and The Plaza Seoul are all pet-free — service animals only
Airport Pet Hotels — When You Need to Leave Your Pet Behind
Since most hotels prohibit leaving pets unattended in the room, you’ll hit a wall on days when you want to sightsee from morning to night. Airport pet hotels are the workaround.
| Facility | Location | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Incheon Airport Pet Hotel | T1, 1F west side, near Gate 14 counter | Standard room ₩55,000 / night |
| Gimpo Airport Pet Center | Domestic Terminal, 1F east side | ₩55,000~₩110,000 / day |
Gimpo Airport Pet Center holds up to 55 pets and advance reservations (070-8977-0022) are mandatory. In-city pet boarding in Seoul averages around ₩40,000–₩60,000 per night for small dogs.
Rules You Absolutely Must Follow in Korea
The Animal Protection Act applies equally to foreigners. Pay special attention to the leash length rule — it’s different from many other countries.
⚖️ Animal Protection Act Violation Fines (per Enforcement Decree [Appendix 4])
| Violation | 1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd+ Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leash/collar exceeding 2m or other safety failures | ₩200,000 | ₩300,000 | ₩500,000 |
| Failure to pick up waste | ₩50,000 | ₩70,000 | ₩100,000 |
| No ID tag | ₩50,000 | ₩100,000 | ₩200,000 |
| No muzzle on a dangerous breed outdoors | ₩1,000,000 | ₩2,000,000 | ₩3,000,000 |
| Bringing a dangerous breed into a restricted area | ₩1,000,000 | ₩2,000,000 | ₩3,000,000 |
The five statutorily designated dangerous breeds are: Tosa Inu, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and any mix thereof. These breeds, once over 3 months old, must be muzzled outdoors and are legally barred from daycare centers, kindergartens, elementary schools, senior welfare facilities, children’s parks, and children’s playgrounds.
One more thing — driving with a pet on your lap violates Article 39, Paragraph 5 of the Road Traffic Act. That’s a ₩40,000 fine for passenger vehicles.
Where to Go When Your Pet Gets Sick
Veterinary care in Korea is not covered by national health insurance — it’s 100% out of pocket. That said, fees are relatively low, and since 2023, a mandatory fee disclosure system lets you check median, high, and low prices by region and procedure at animalclinicfee.or.kr.
| Procedure | Actual Disclosed Rates in Seoul |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | ₩18,000 |
| Follow-up consultation | ₩11,000 |
| CBC blood test | ₩49,000 |
| X-ray (under 10kg) | ₩25,000 |
| Hospitalization 1 day (small kennel) | ₩60,000 |
| CT (1 region) | ₩350,000 |
3-Step Emergency Plan
- Search Naver Map for "24-hour animal hospital." It's more accurate than Google Maps in Korea
- Call first. Always. In Korea, "24 hours" can mean ① open until midnight ② on-call at night ③ truly staffed around the clock — three different things
- If language is a barrier, call 1330 (Korea Tourism Organization's 24-hour multilingual tourist hotline) and ask them to connect you to a clinic and relay symptoms. 119 is for people only — you can't use it to transport a pet
Confirmed 24-hour clinics in Seoul include VIP Animal Medical Center Cheongdam (02-511-7522), 24-hour Cheongdam Woori Animal Hospital (02-541-7515), Western Animal Medical Center (Mapo, 02-701-7580), and Helix Animal Medical Center (Seocho, 02-2135-9119). Emergency and after-hours care typically carries a 20–30% surcharge.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Countdown to D-Day
- D-6 months or more — Microchip implant (confirm ISO 11784/11785) → rabies vaccination → blood draw for titer test 30 days later
- D-2 months — Receive titer results (confirm 0.5 IU/ml or higher). If below threshold, booster shot + re-test
- D-1 month — Submit pet transport request to your airline. Measure carrier + pet weight to decide in-cabin vs. checked
- D-2 weeks — Apply for health certificate from your home country's government agency. If departing Australia or Malaysia, schedule Hendra/Nipah testing in parallel
- D-1 week — Recheck the rabies-free country list. Cross-check the chip number on your health certificate against an actual scan
- D-2 days — Final airline transport approval (most international flights close 48 hours before departure)
- Arrival day — Visit the animal quarantine desk before customs
Sources
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency — New Dog & Cat Import Quarantine Method
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency — Dog & Cat Import Quarantine FAQ (Q1–Q24)
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency — Rabies-Free Countries (Regions)
- Korean Air — Travel with Pets Guide
- Asiana Airlines — Traveling with Pets
- Jeju Air — Pet Transport Service
- Jin Air — JINI PET Transport Regulations
- T'way Air — t'pet Guide
- United Airlines — Traveling with pets
- Seoul Metro Passenger Transport Terms, Article 35 (amended Mar. 7, 2026)
- Korail Passenger Transport Terms, Article 22 (amended May 29, 2026)
- SR — SRT Pet Travel Guide
- AREX Passenger Transport Terms, Articles 49 & 50 (amended Dec. 26, 2025)
- Animal Protection Act Enforcement Decree [Appendix 4] — Fine Criteria
- Ministry of Government Legislation — Service Dog Support (Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, Article 40)
- Seoul Metropolitan Government — Dog Park Guide & Operating Standards
- Hyundai Department Store — Pet Entry Policy
- Lotte Shopping — Pet Entry Policy
- IFC Mall — Pet Access Guide
- Starfield COEX Mall FAQ — Pet Ban Notice
- Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs — Animal Hospital Fee Disclosure
- National Animal Protection Information System — Nationwide Animal Hospital Search
All fees and regulations in this article were verified against official sources as of August 4, 2026. Quarantine requirements and airline fees can change without notice — always double-check the original source before you travel.