Animal Happiness Festa
Oct 17 – Oct 18, 2026 · Seoul
Overview
The 2026 Seoul Animal Happiness Festa is a participatory festival that marks Seoul Animal Protection Day by sharing with citizens a culture in which people and animals live together. It will be held from October 17 to 18 at the plaza in front of the Mulbit Stage at Yeouihangang Park, and will present a variety of programs that not only pet owners but also non-pet-owners and families can enjoy together. Programs include the 'Animal Happiness Run,' in which dogs and their guardians walk together along the Han River; 'Seol Chae-hyeon's Pet Talk Live,' where everyday concerns about living with pets are shared; the 'Dog's Life, Take Two Pride Contest,' featuring special stories of adopted dogs and their guardians; and the 'Pimky Red Carpet Adoption Event,' which introduces animals waiting for new families. In addition, a range of on-site programs will be offered, including the 'Animal Protection PLAY Zone,' where visitors can experience various animal welfare issues concerning wild animals, farm animals, laboratory animals, service animals, and exhibition animals through games and missions, as well as behavior and health consultations, animal registration, stray animal adoption campaigns, an OX quiz on pet culture, and photo zones. Going a step beyond simply loving animals, this citizen-participatory animal culture festival offers an easy and enjoyable way to experience how people and animals can live together happily.
Why go
A citizen-participatory festival marking Seoul Animal Protection Day, bringing pet owners and non-owners together to explore what it means to live alongside animals. Highlights include a riverside dog walk, a live talk on everyday pet concerns, an adoption showcase for dogs with special stories, and hands-on activities covering wildlife, farm, lab, service, and exhibition animal welfare.
Getting there from Seoul
The festival is held at Yeouihangang Park in Yeongdeungpo-gu, inside Seoul itself, so no intercity travel is needed. The nearest stop is Yeouinaru Station on Seoul Subway Line 5, which opens directly onto the park. City buses serving the Yeoui-dong/Yeouihangang Park area are another option from elsewhere in the city.
Tips
- If bringing a dog, keep it leashed since several programs involve walking together along the river
- Programs like the pet talk session and adoption event likely run at set times, so check on-site signage for the day's schedule
- It's an outdoor riverside event, so wear comfortable walking shoes and bring weather protection
Best for: pet owners, families, dog owners, animal lovers.
Photos
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site