🐶 Moving to Korea with a Pet? Read This Before You Sign a Lease

Planning to bring your dog or cat to Korea? You’re not alone, but finding a pet-friendly apartment can be surprisingly difficult. Most Korean landlords don’t allow pets, and those who do often limit it to small dogs or specific breeds.

If you’re relocating with a furry companion, this guide will help you avoid frustration, wasted time, and potential lease issues.

🐾 Pet Policies: What You Need to Know First

In Korea, there’s no such thing as a “standard” pet policy. Each landlord decides, and even buildings that look new or foreigner-friendly may have blanket bans on animals.

Here’s how it usually works:

• Villas (빌라): Older low-rise buildings may be more flexible, especially if the landlord lives nearby.

• Officetels (오피스텔): Modern and convenient, but usually managed by companies that enforce no-pet rules.

• Gosiwons/One-rooms: Almost always no pets, due to small spaces and thin walls.

Always ask both the landlord and the building management office before assuming anything. A landlord may say “yes,” but the building may say “no.”

🎯 How to Improve Your Chances

While there’s no magic trick, here are some strategies that have worked for our clients:

• Be honest from the beginning: Trying to hide your pet can lead to eviction and full deposit loss.

• Offer more stability: If you plan to stay long-term, highlight that in your offer.

• Negotiate with a higher deposit: Some landlords may allow pets if you provide financial reassurance.

• Build trust: Show your pet passport, vaccination records, or even past landlord references.

We’ve even seen some expats write a short “pet résumé” - yes, it works.

📍 Best Areas for Pet Owners in Seoul

Some neighborhoods are simply more welcoming to pet owners. Whether it’s access to green space or a more relaxed landlord culture, here are our top picks:

• Hannam: Luxury neighborhood, popular with expats. Access to Hangang Park, and some buildings allow pets with negotiation.

• Seongsu: Trendy and growing, with many individually owned villas. Landlords tend to be younger and more flexible.

• Ichon: Close to Hangang Park and often overlooked, but many older buildings here allow pets.

• Yangjae-dong: Easy access to Yangjae Citizens’ Forest and Dog Park, with a mix of housing types.

• Yeonnam-dong: Near Gyeongui Line Forest Park, and known for pet cafés and walkability.

💬 Need Help Finding a Pet-Friendly Home?

We’ve helped dozens of expats find safe, legal, and pet-approving rentals in Seoul. Let us know your budget and pet type - we’ll send you 5 listings to get started.

👉 Get Pet-Friendly Listings – Free Plan

Editor’s Note:

At Settle in Korea, we know how important pets are to your life. They’re family. That’s why we do more than just search listings - we verify building policies and speak to landlords directly to make sure your move goes smoothly, for both of you.