Pet Friendly

Domestic Hotels for Traveling with Pets 2026: The Ultimate Pet-Friendly Guide

2026.01.29 About 8 min read 94 views
By | Taehee Kim · Family Travel Specialist
Domestic Hotels for Traveling with Pets 2026: The Ultimate Pet-Friendly Guide

Meta Information (for SEO)
- Title: Domestic Hotels for Traveling with Pets 2026: Pet-Friendly Recommendations | HotelPing
- Meta Description: Want to travel with your dog or cat? A comprehensive guide to domestic hotels, pensions, and resorts that allow pets. Things to check before booking.
- URL: /magazine/pet-friendly-hotel-korea-2026
- Keywords: pet hotel, pet-friendly hotel, dog-friendly accommodation, dog pension


Table of Contents

  1. Traveling with Pets: Why is Accommodation Important?
  2. Criteria for Choosing a Pet-Friendly Hotel
  3. BEST Pet-Friendly Hotels by Region
  4. Comparison by Accommodation Type
  5. Essential Checklist Before Booking
  6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Traveling with Pets: Why is Accommodation Important?

"I wish I could bring my furry friend too..."

This is a thought every pet owner has had at least once. But when you actually search for accommodation, most places have a "No Pets Allowed" sign.

Reasons Why Pet-Friendly Accommodation is Important

  1. Save on Pet Sitter Costs: Costs $34-$69 per day.
  2. Prevent Separation Anxiety: Some pets get stressed when separated from their owners.
  3. Shared Memories: Pets are family too.
  4. Unique Experiences: Walks and playtime in a new environment.

However, you can't just go to any place. Even if it says "Pets Allowed," many places have significant restrictions in reality.


Criteria for Choosing a Pet-Friendly Hotel

Check Pet Policies

Essential Items to Check:

Item Details to Check
Weight Limit Small dogs only? Medium/large dogs too?
Breed Restrictions Are certain breeds prohibited?
Number of Pets Limit How many pets per room?
Additional Fees How much per night? Separate cleaning fee?
Allowed Areas Lobby, restaurant, swimming pool allowed?

Common Pitfalls:
- "Small dogs only" → Over 7kg not allowed.
- "Pets Allowed" → Additional fee of $34.
- "Pet-Friendly" → Must stay in the room, not allowed in common areas.


Check Facilities

Facilities for Pets:
- Dog playground/exercise area
- Pet-exclusive swimming pool (Dog Park)
- Accessibility to walking trails
- Provision of potty pads and food bowls

Facilities for Owners:
- Paw-washing station
- Laundry facilities (for clothes with fur)
- Pet-friendly restaurant


Location

Conditions for a Good Location:
- Near a large lawn or park
- Beachfront (dogs love the sea too)
- Easy to access by car (public transport with pets is difficult)

Locations to Avoid:
- No places to walk nearby
- Roadside with noisy traffic
- Rural areas with many other animals (barking issues)


BEST Pet-Friendly Hotels by Region

Jeju — Island Getaway with Your Pet

Jeju has the most pet-friendly accommodations. From pensions with large yards to pet-exclusive resorts.

Recommended Areas:
- Aewol/Hallim: Many pensions with large lawns.
- Seogwipo: Quiet and good for walks.
- Seongsan: Peaceful, less stressful for pets.

Caution:
- Check pet carrier regulations for flights.
- Verify if rental cars allow pets (additional fees may apply).

See Pet-Friendly Hotels in Jeju →


Gapyeong/Yangpyeong — Petcation Near Seoul

Within an hour from Seoul, there are many pensions where you can let your pet run around in a large yard.

Recommended Features:
- Detached houses (no need to worry about other guests)
- Fenced yard (off-leash allowed)
- Valleys/rivers (for water play in summer)

Popular Areas in Gapyeong:
- Cheongpyeong: Good accessibility.
- Gapyeong-eup: Wide selection of accommodations.
- Buk-myeon: Quiet pensions in nature.

See Pet-Friendly Hotels in Gapyeong →


Gangneung/Sokcho — Beach Walks

Walking along the East Sea with your pet is a truly wonderful experience.

Recommended Features:
- Beach walks (early morning, late evening)
- Pine forest trails
- Large pension yards

Caution:
- Some beaches prohibit pets during the summer peak season.
- Confirm pet-friendly beaches in advance.

See Pet-Friendly Hotels in Gangneung →


Chungcheong/Gyeonggi — Healing Close By

You don't need to travel far. There are many good pet pensions within 1-2 hours by car.

Recommended Areas:
- Taean: Beaches + large pensions.
- Hongseong/Yesan: Quiet rural pensions.
- Anseong/Icheon: 1 hour from Seoul.

Recommended Pet-Friendly Hotels


Busan — City + Sea

Busan is a large city, so pet-friendly accommodations are limited, but they do exist if you look.

Recommendations:
- Gijang: Coastal pensions.
- Some hotels in Haeundae (small dogs only).

Caution:
- Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches prohibit pets.
- Use relatively quieter beaches like Songjeong Beach.

See Pet-Friendly Hotels in Busan →


Comparison by Accommodation Type

Hotels

Pros:
- Clean and well-maintained.
- Access to amenities.

Cons:
- Few hotels allow pets.
- Often limited to small dogs.
- Restrictions in common areas.

Recommended for: Small dogs + city travel.


Pensions

Pros:
- Freedom of detached houses.
- Off-leash play in the yard.
- Suitable for medium/large dogs.

Cons:
- Often located in remote areas.
- Facilities vary greatly.
- May require self-cleaning.

Recommended for: Medium/large dogs + nature healing.


Glamping

Pros:
- Camping feel in nature.
- Outdoor time with pets.
- Barbecue available.

Cons:
- Hot in summer, cold in winter.
- Potential for insects.
- Pets may be sensitive to unfamiliar environments.

Recommended for: Active pets + owners who enjoy the outdoors.


Resorts

Pros:
- Pet-exclusive facilities (playgrounds, pools).
- Well-managed.
- Various services.

Cons:
- Expensive.
- High booking competition.
- Many rules.

Recommended for: Those seeking a proper pet vacation.


Essential Checklist Before Booking

Before Booking

What to Pack

After Arrival


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Can I bring my cat too?

Some places allow it. However, there are fewer options than for dogs. It's essential to confirm "Cats Allowed" before booking.

Q. How much is the typical additional fee for pets?

It varies by accommodation, but $7-$21 per night is common. Some places charge a separate cleaning fee, so check the total cost.

Q. What if my pet barks a lot?

It's fine in a detached pension, but in hotels or places with other guests, it can be inconsiderate. If your pet barks a lot in unfamiliar environments, a detached house is recommended.

Q. Are there accommodations for large dogs?

There are some, but they are few. Look primarily at pensions in Gapyeong/Yangpyeong and detached houses in Jeju. Search using the "Large Dogs Allowed" filter.

Q. Can I leave my pet alone in the room?

Most accommodations prohibit this or do not recommend it. Pets with separation anxiety may bark or damage property, so be cautious.

Q. Can I walk my pet on the beach?

It varies by beach. Most prohibit pets during the summer peak season, while some allow them during the off-season. Advance confirmation is essential.

Q. Can I travel with my pet by plane?

Yes, but it requires many preparations.
- Small dogs: Can travel in the cabin (check carrier dimensions).
- Medium/large dogs: Cargo hold (be mindful of stress).
- Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, etc.): Restrictions may apply depending on the airline.


Conclusion

Traveling with your pet is half the battle with preparation.

When choosing accommodation, remember these three things:

  1. Check Policies: Weight limits, additional fees, allowed areas.
  2. Check Facilities: Yard, walking trails, paw-washing stations.
  3. Pack Essentials: Food, potty pads, familiar items.

If you check these carefully, you can ensure a happy trip for both your pet and yourself.


Explore Hotels Nationwide →


Taehee Kim Family Travel Specialist

Mother of two (ages 5 and 9), former kindergarten teacher, and family travel community leader. Shares practical know-how for choosing hotels with children.

#가족여행 #키즈호텔 #리조트 #반려동물
Share this article if you found it helpful!
Back to Magazine