Dogs in South Korea: rules, tax and travel
Dogs aged 2 months or older must be registered with the local government and kept on a leash of 2 metres or less. Imports need an ISO microchip, rabies vaccine and, in most cases, a rabies titre test.
Registration is handled by local governments; apartment buildings often set their own pet rules.
Breed rules
| Where | Rule | Breeds and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole country | Permit required | Tosa, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, crossbreeds of these Animal Protection Act (amended, in force 27 April 2024): 'maenggyeon' owners need a permit from the provincial governor after a temperament assessment, with registration, neutering and liability insurance; existing owners had until 26 Oct 2024. [1] |
| Whole country | Muzzle and leash required | Tosa, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, crossbreeds of these Outside, these dogs must wear a muzzle and a leash of max 2 m; in shared indoor spaces the owner must hold the dog or its collar. [1] |
Registration and microchip
Dogs aged 2 months or older must be registered with the local government within 30 days, through a designated animal hospital or a city, county or district office. Failing to register can bring a fine of up to 1 million won, and not reporting changes up to 500,000 won.[2]
An internal microchip is recommended but not the only option: owners may use an external ID tag instead when registering.[2]
Insurance
Liability insurance is compulsory only for owners of the listed fierce breeds (fine up to 3 million won). No general requirement was found.[3]
Leash and muzzle
Dogs taken outside must be on a leash or harness of 2 metres or less, with a fine of up to 500,000 won. Muzzles are required for the listed fierce breeds.[4]
Other rules
Pets must wear a tag with the owner's contact details and owners must clean up after them.[5]
Travelling to South Korea with a dog
An EU pet passport is accepted as the health document. Animals also need an ISO microchip and a valid rabies vaccine, and Korea asks for a rabies antibody test result of at least 0.5 IU/ml unless the origin is a designated rabies-free area.[5]
A quarantine certificate issued or endorsed by the exporting government, an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccine (not needed under 90 days) and a rabies titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml taken within 24 months before arrival.[5]
Rabies neutralising antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml, FAVN or RFFIT, blood drawn within 24 months before arrival. Animals from designated rabies-free areas do not need it.[5]
Animals missing a microchip or valid test can be held in quarantine at the owner's expense until the work is done. Fully compliant animals are not described as held.[6]
Not confirmed yet: Dog tax, Licence or owner test, Tapeworm treatment. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- dailyvet.co.kr/print?id=211276 (secondary source)
- view.asiae.co.kr/en/article/2026042911133923141 (secondary source)
- koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/law-crime/20210209/korea-implements-tougher-rules-on-animal-ab (secondary source)
- asiae.co.kr/en/article/2022020911240815424 (secondary source)
- koreaherald.com/article/10732002 (secondary source)
- aphis.usda.gov/print/pdf/node/3661 (secondary source)