South Korea's pet market which stood at 1.9 trillion won ($1.4 billion) in 2015 saw explosive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic to stand at eight trillion won in 2022. About 70 percent of companies had employees working at home during the pandemic and many people adopted pets to cure loneliness.
Ulsan said that the train will depart from Seoul at 10:00 p.m. on December 24 and arrive at Ulsan's Taehwagang Station at 3:00 a.m. on December 25. Six train cars will be modified to accommodate dogs and their owners and the customers will be guided by a special pet tour guide. The tour course includes a walk at the beach during sunrise and at a seaside park.
Visiting the East Coast is a common activity practiced by South Korean tourists during the end-of-the-year and new year seasons. People make a wish for the new year while watching the sunrise from the sea. A total of 200 seats will be allocated for the special dog tour program.
"We hope people spend a wonderful time with their pet dogs at the beach during the Christmas holidays," an Ulsan official said in a statement on November 29.
