Seoul to host animal welfare festival at Han River in October

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Wednesday it will hold the 2026 Seoul Animal Happiness Festa — its third edition — at the plaza in front of the Mulbit Stage at Yeouido Hangang Park on Oct. 17-18.

"Now in its third year, this festival is designed with a wide variety of hands-on activities so that everyone — not just pet owners — can enjoy it," a Seoul city official said.

On the first day, Oct. 17, an event called the Animal Happiness Run will kick off at 10:30 a.m., inviting dog owners and their pets to walk together along the Han River. The roughly 4-kilometer course runs from the starting gate in front of the Mulbit Stage at Yeouido Hangang Park to the Seoul Marina helipad and back. The event is not a race — no times or rankings will be recorded — and is open to 500 teams in total. Participants will receive commemorative gifts. The entry fee is 10,000 won ($7) per team.

At 1 p.m., veterinarian and animal behavior specialist Seol Chae-hyeon will host a talk concert titled "Seol Chae-hyeon's Pet Talk Live," covering dog behavior, health and empathy. No advance registration is required, and the first 100 attendees to arrive will receive seats at the main stage. Dogs are welcome.

At 3 p.m., a showcase called the Second Life Pride Contest will celebrate dogs that endured abandonment or abuse but found new families and happiness. The event will recruit 80 teams in total — 50 for a "stay" category and 30 for a "treat relay" category. Only formerly stray or abandoned dogs and their adoptive families are eligible to participate.

On the second day, Oct. 18, a red-carpet adoption event will give stray dogs currently in foster care a chance to walk the runway and meet prospective families. Up to 200 teams of foster dogs and their temporary caretakers will take part, with the dogs walking the red carpet and meeting citizens interested in adoption.

Additional on-site activities will include a pet culture OX quiz, consultations on animal behavior and health, and a pet owner aptitude test — all open to walk-in participants.

Up to 200 teams of rescued animals are expected to attend, and citizens hoping to adopt can speak directly with foster families at the venue to learn about each dog's personality and needs.

Seoul will begin accepting registrations on a first-come, first-served basis through the event's official website starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. "We are preparing this event to reflect on the value of life alongside animals and to help foster a culture of respect and coexistence for all living beings in our society," said Kim Young-hwan, director of Seoul's Garden City Bureau.