Pets in South Korea
Relationship between People and Pets
Pets as Family Members
In 2022, about one in four South Koreans had at least one pet at home, a survey by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reveals. Most owners preferred dogs (75.6%) over cats and other animals. The average monthly expenditure on pet care reached 150,000 won, an increase from the previous year. Although the number of households with pets has been considerable, about 22.1% of respondents considered giving up due to behavioral problems and unforeseen costs. In addition, the survey highlighted that 63% of owners were aware of and complied with pet walking regulations, reflecting growing awareness and government regulation around animal welfare in South Korea.
South Korea has passed a law banning the breeding, sale and slaughter of dogs for human consumption from 2027, a practice rooted in culture but increasingly questioned internationally. This legislative decision seeks to improve the country's image on the global stage, especially in the face of frequent criticism during international sporting events such as the Olympic Games. Over the years, dog meat consumption has declined, reflected in the reduction of restaurants that offer it and a generational shift where young people show less interest in this tradition. Although some argue health benefits from consumption, the majority of South Koreans do not support this practice, increasingly favoring dogs as life companions.
Animal Welfare and Care Practices
Animal Welfare Awareness
South Korea has passed a law that will ban the marketing of dog meat from 2027, facing culinary tradition and opposition from older generations who consider "boshintang" a delicacy. The law, which does not make the consumption of this meat illegal, seeks to protect animal rights and responds to the decline in its popularity among young people, who now see dogs more as pets. The move will affect some 1,600 restaurants and 1,150 farms, whose owners, many of whom are elderly, will receive government support to transition to other sources of income. The decision has been welcomed by activists, although some see it as a violation of freedom of food choice.
Korean pets
In 2022, about one in four South Koreans owned a pet, spending an average of 150,000 won a month on their care, according to a survey by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The majority of respondents were dog owners, followed by cats and fish. Although the number of households with pets has increased, a significant percentage considered giving them up due to behavioral problems and high costs. The government has implemented stricter regulations to protect animal rights, including harsher punishments for abuse and mandatory insurance for owners of dangerous dogs.
Pet Accessories and Services Industry
The pet products industry in South Korea is valued at 4.6 trillion won and is expected to grow to 6 trillion won by 2027, with notable growth in the wet cat and dog food markets. The market is atomized, although a few companies dominate the cat and dog food segments. The trade balance in this sector is negative, with imports mainly from China and the US, and exports on the rise due to the growth of pets during the pandemic. Demand follows a trend of "humanization" of pets, with consumers preferring premium products and purchasing mostly online. In addition, there are opportunities in pet-tech products and pet habitat, especially for cats.
Homes in Korea
Diversity of Homes in South Korea
Types of Homes
Korean architecture has developed a unique style adapted to its natural surroundings, with the most notable being the hanok, traditional houses with ingenious heating and ventilation systems. The "ondol," an underfloor heating system using hypocausts, provides warmth during cold winters, while the "maru" offers natural ventilation for hot summers. Built from wood and tiled or thatched roofs, hanok are durable and situated in strategic locations protected by mountains and near rivers. Although most Koreans now live in modern apartments, these still retain the ondol heating system, now modernized with hot water instead of air and smoke, popular not only in Korea but also in other countries with significant thermal variations.
Adapting to Residents’ Needs
Space Efficiency
Historically homogeneous, South Korea has seen a significant increase in foreign workers and students since the late 20th century, with 1.65 million foreign residents in 2018, accounting for 3.2% of the population. The rise in multicultural families, driven by marriages between Koreans and foreigners, has led the government to create a support office and the Multicultural Family Support Act, establishing 218 centers to offer language courses, counseling, and employment programs. Multicultural areas have been promoted as tourist destinations, highlighting Incheon’s Chinatown, Wongok-dong in Ansan, and several specific neighborhoods in Seoul for different nationalities. In 2013, Seoul selected Daerim 2-dong to revitalize multicultural communities, opening a cultural complex in 2018. The integration of foreign nationals into the government and telecommunications industry contributes to harmonious coexistence and social integration in Korea.
Integrating Technology into Homes
Smart Homes
Housing in Korea ranges from modern apartments to older houses, but they share certain common items. Electronic locks have largely replaced traditional ones, allowing doors to be opened with a code or chip. The radiant heating system, derived from the traditional ondol, is a distinctive feature. Koreans remove their shoes upon entering the home and wear specific slippers for the bathroom. Essential appliances include rice cookers, water kettles, water and air purifiers, and special kimchi refrigerators. Electric mats are common for space heating. Traditional items include babsangbo for covering food, jukbuin for relieving heat, hyojason for scratching the back, and kyojasang, a low folding table. These items reflect the adaptation of Korean homes to contemporary needs and cultural traditions.
Busan
Busan, with 3.3 million inhabitants, has emerged as a technological powerhouse and leader in green energy, standing out globally. The city has implemented innovative proposals, such as the creation of a "floating city" and the use of hydrogen-powered garbage trucks, thanks to a collaboration between the South Korean Ministry of Industry and Energy and Hyundai Motor since 2021. This transformation, from an emerging economy to a technological powerhouse, has positioned Busan as a model for other governments in terms of technology and sustainability.
Interior Decoration
Traditional Korean Style
The art of dancheong, characteristic of traditional Korean architecture, decorates temples and palaces with vibrant color patterns based on the obangsaek spectrum. Originating in the Goguryeo period, this method uses five colors (blue, red, yellow, white and black) and has both decorative and functional purposes, protecting wood from the elements. Created by skilled craftsmen, the patterns include floral, geometric and nature designs, with styles ranging from simple ones, such as Gachil dancheong, to more intricate ones, such as Geum dancheong. This traditional art lives on today, embellishing not only historic buildings but also everyday objects and modern hanboks.
Furniture Fair
The Korea International Furniture & Interiors Fair, known as KOFURN, is an annual event organized by the Korean Federation of Furniture Industry Cooperatives (KFFIC) since 1981 in Seoul. This year, KOFURN 2023 will be held from August 24 to 27 at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Goyang-si. The fair brings together more than 300 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors, offering a platform to explore the latest trends and products in furniture and interiors. In addition to product displays, the event includes seminars, workshops, forums and design competitions. Among the international exhibitors is Wisanka Indonesia, a company with more than 30 years of experience in furniture and decoration.
Education and its impact on the workforce
Structure and Characteristics of the Korean Education System
Structure of the Education System
South Korea, which went from being one of the poorest and most illiterate countries after World War II and the Korean War, has become the seventh largest economy in the world thanks to its educational revolution. Since 1945, the country has invested massively in education, managing to reduce illiteracy from 80% to 4% in a decade. Long-term educational policies, high investment in the education system (over 10% of GDP since 1958) and a focus on economic competitiveness have been key. The South Korean education system, compulsory and free, constantly adapts to current demands and uses advanced technology, such as Artificial Intelligence and virtual reality, to offer personalized and practical teaching. This educational transformation has generated a highly trained workforce, driving the success of companies such as Samsung and Hyundai, and positioning the country as a leader in innovation and technological development.
Elements Contributing to South Korea's Education Reputation
Success in International Assessments
South Korea's education system stands out for its rigorous and disciplined approach, with a structure that spans from pre-school to senior high school. Although it is compulsory and mostly free, it faces criticism for its high academic pressure and emphasis on memorization over creativity. This system, internationally recognized for its high performance in tests, relies on long hours of study and intense competition between students, which can affect their mental well-being and quality of life. Education is valued as key to professional success, but questions arise as to whether the sacrifice of students' mental health is worth the academic performance achieved.
Culture of Business Entrance Exams
Importance of Exams
In South Korea, the day of the CSAT, or College Scholastic Ability Test, brings the entire country to a standstill with extraordinary measures. This exam, crucial for access to prestigious universities and better job opportunities, is so crucial that it affects everything from work schedules to domestic and international flights. To ensure its smooth completion, air restrictions, strict isolation of examiners, and massive deployment of police and firefighters are implemented to ensure that students arrive on time and safely to their exam centers.
Impact of Education on the Workforce
Creating a Skilled Workforce
In South Korea, despite average family incomes below the OECD average, education plays a crucial role in the labor market. The paid employment rate is comparable to the OECD average, with a marked gender disparity in employment. The high completion rate of upper secondary education, especially among men, exceeds the OECD average, indicating strong educational preparation. Outstanding results in the PISA tests reflect academic performance above the international average, with girls slightly outperforming boys in scores, similar to the OECD trend.
Technical Education in South Korea:
In South Korea, technical education plays a crucial role in the national economy by focusing on imparting practical and specific skills that are highly in demand in the labor market. This educational approach has been instrumental in the country's economic success, boosting key industries such as electronics and automotive. Students not only receive theoretical training, but also participate in practical work experiences from an early age, which is supported by significant government investments. This technical education is highly valued by both employers and society, contributing to a healthier balance between labor supply and demand in South Korea.
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