Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ajosshi]

Is it doable/reasonable to travel with a large (~100 lbs.) dog in Korea, without a private car?

I'd appreciate it if ESLers with large dogs would chime in and share your stories and tips of how you travel with your friend in Korea.

Just getting there is proving to be a big expense and hassle. The vet�s certification isn�t too much, but the flight for the pup in the cargo belly is going to run 1440 on Asiana or 1810 on Kal. Kal even wants me to buy a special carrier for the flight. I asked why, and they rep told me that a bulldog got out of his plastic carrier and went wild on the tarmac in Germany. I guess he pulled a runner.

It�s not just getting there that�s proving to be difficult. After I land, using public transportation, is there any way to get to Jeonju or Busan? I know I can hire a private van for two or 300k.

My foreign employer offered to buy me a car, but I�d rather take a pass, if it�s not necessary.

Thanks

[Hokie21]

[Mr. Peabody]

[warmachinenkorea]

Without a car it will be darn near impossible. I have a 8lbs Yorkie and foster 2 others, that are 6 lbs and 48 lbs. We just got a car this week and have been able to take the 48lbs dog every where. Before she had to walk with us and our vet was a few miles away.

Some friends here have 2 pitbulls that are 70lbs and 45lbs. They did find some taxes that would take the dogs when they needed a vet trip. But some taxi's won't pick my wife and I up with a 8lbs Yorkie. You are gonna need a car and a house. A dog that large will cause trouble with you landlord. They don't want anything that big in an apt or villa. My friends rent a house and there is no problems.

Good luck.

[eamo]

You really need to think long and hard about bringing a large dog to Korea.

100lbs!!! I have a fair bit of trouble with my 20lb miniature Schnauzer! About half of Koreans seem terrified of anything bigger than a Shihtzu.

If you do decide to bring the dog......then your first order of business would be to get a car. A foreigner with a 100lb dog on public transport is a no-no.....

[n�fara]

Dog + Car = a better experience for you both.

Big Dog - Car + Living in the City = not so awesome, unless you have some pretty nice parks nearby and good places to go for a walk.
Oh, and nice neighbours who won't be terrified of your "huge" beast.

[northway]

I really, really hope that you already have your accommodations sorted and have a place big enough for a dog of that size.

[Dazed and Confused]

I had a large poodle, by no means a standard, and I had trouble finding taxis. My friend takes his small dog on the KTX but he is required to keep her in a carrier at all times. Can you put your dog in a carrier and then put it on and take it off the train?

[loose_ends]

I lived in Korea with an 85 pound dog. It was damn near impossible to find a place to live in. Once we did our neighbors were terrified of us and the landlord ended up screwing us when we left.

We had a car, and I couldn't imagine not having one. Without a car you would need to be right near an excellent park and within walking distance of a vet (that is pretty easy actually as they are everywhere). Also, off-leash parks are extremely hard to find. Whenever we let our dog off the leash we scared half the park and even had the cops called on us several times. We owned the cutest golden retriever..sigh.

My advice would be to take the car.

And dang your flights are expensive. I flew home from Korea to Canada and my dog was counted as extra luggage. He cost as much as he weighed. I think it was around 800 or 900 bucks.

Hope this helps.

[ktkates87]

I wish the mods would put together a sticky on bringing pets to Korea...just because the topic comes up so often.

I have a 12 kilo pug/jack russel mix and have a hard time bringing him around Korea. I can't imagine a 100 pound dog and trying to manage without a car.

[pangaea]

You will not be able to find public transportation that will accomodate your dog. Taxis will not pick you up and buses and the subway are out of the question.

I sympathize with the fact that you want to bring your dog, but I'm not sure that is the best thing for your dog. Do you have housing that will accept your dog arranged already? Will your dog be stuck in a tiny apartment while you are at work? Have you checked to find out if there are parks or places for you to walk your dog?

I would also be worried about the reaction of your neighbors if you have a 100 pound dog. The treatment and attitude toward animals is different here than it is at home for most of us. I don't think many people have pet dogs, other than the tiny toy breeds that people can put clothes and shoes on, and animal behavior doesn't seem to be something that is well understood. I used to have a dog and saw people freeze in terror at the sight of my 9 pound chihuahua several times. People who did try to pet her would ignore the obvious signals she was giving out that she didn't want to be touched (shying away and generally looking scared.) She was a sweet dog but was an abused stray when I found her and would snap if she felt cornered. I hope your dog has a very patient temperament.

If you are determined to bring your dog, good luck. I would just be very, very careful with him/her when you are out in public. I would hate for there to be any misunderstandings that would result in problems for you keeping your dog.

[tjinh200]

You might have a pretty difficult time, as many have said. I've seen some big dogs around my area in Seoul, but very very rarely. The need for a special carrier (especially for large dogs in cargo) is becoming standard, so it's not surprising.

As for getting to Busan, assuming you land at ICN, I might recommend just renting a car and driving? Or, if you have the money, sure hire someone to drive you both down.

[alwaysbeclosing100]

[ajosshi]

Folks,

Long story short, she was abandoned. I found her about six months ago and tried finding her a home, but I think she wants to stay with me.

I can either take her to Korea, or take her to the pound. I�ve exhausted all of the other options. She�s been through enough and I don�t want to put her through any more stress, so she�s coming to Korea with me.

Here are few shots of Hanbi: http://ajosshi.com/?p=112

If you have any other pointers, I�d love to hear them.

Thanks for all the replies.

[northway]