South Korea (KR)

South Korea is a high-income East Asian democracy with world-class broadband, dense public transport, export-led technology giants, sophisticated healthcare, a powerful popular culture sector and one of Asia's most convenient urban lifestyles for expats who can adapt to Korean-language administration.

Capital: Seoul

Region: Asia

Language: Korean

Currency: KRW (₩)

Cost of living: Moderate (index 65)

Emergency: 119

Bringing Pets to South Korea

Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.

Microchip

Required

Health certificate

Required

Import permit

Not required

Quarantine

Not required

Vaccinations

Rabies vaccination after microchip Rabies antibody test for many origins Core vaccines recommended: DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats

Restricted Breeds

No single national import ban list for ordinary pet dogs, but airline, housing and local rules can restrict large or aggressive breeds

💰 Costs

Common total: 300,000-1,500,000+ KRW excluding flight, depending on rabies titre test, vet fees, broker and airline crate.

🐕 Dog Tax / Registration

No national annual dog tax, but local registration is required for dogs over the applicable age, with microchip/registration through local offices or vet clinics.

Register with a nearby vet immediately; Seoul and expat areas have English-speaking clinics, but emergency vet care is expensive.

📋 Relocation Process

Microchip first, vaccinate for rabies, complete rabies antibody test where required, obtain official health certificate, declare animal on arrival and pass Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency inspection.

Many Korean apartments restrict pets by lease or building rules. Confirm pet permission in writing before paying deposit.