In brief
As South Korea grapples with the world’s lowest birthrate and a surge in single-person households, dogs have become cherished companions for many residents.
In a country increasingly characterized by solo living and low birth rates, dogs have stepped in as beloved family members for many South Koreans. In Seoul, a touching funeral was held for Dalkong, a poodle who had lived with his owner Kim Seon-ae for 13 years, illustrating the deep bonds formed between pet owners and their dogs. Once known for its tradition of breeding dogs for meat, South Korea sees a rising cultural shift as more of its population turns to pets for companionship. Nearly half of all households in the nation now consist of a single occupant, reflecting broader social changes as people opt to remain single or childless. As Kimberly Seon-ae mourned Dalkong amid a heartfelt farewell at Pet Forest, a pet funeral home near Seoul, it's clear that dogs have now become essential fixtures of the modern South Korean household.
