May 2021
May 2021
More and more Koreans are raising dogs as household companions, but there are still relatively few places humans and canines can enjoy together. Worst still, spaces where people can learn more about dogs — and in so doing, correct common malpractices and improve the national pet scene — are lacking.
Written by
Robert J. Koehler,
travel writer
Photo courtesy of
d.forest
d.forest in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do Province aims to rectify this situation. This pet-friendly theme park located just a short train ride from Seoul provides plenty of space for dogs — and the humans that love them — to run free in the great outdoors. It also offers exhibits, educational programs, special events and other opportunities to learn what makes ¡°man¡¯s best friend¡± so special and how we as people can enrich the lives of our pets as much as they enrich ours.
d.forest strives to create a world in which dogs and humans can be happy together by encouraging visitors to think about ways to live in better harmony with our canine companions.
Nestled in a forested mountainside in the popular resort town of Gangchon, the park is no mere dog park. It¡¯s a comprehensive leisure, education and culture space dedicated to all things pooch, complete with big grass fields, forested walking paths, eateries, cafes and Korea¡¯s first dog museum with its own curator.
Opened in April 2021, d.forest could not come at a better time. Korea¡¯s pet market is surging, topping KRW 6 trillion in 2020. Yet years of poor training, insufficient social awareness and irresponsible adoptions has led to an array of problems, including dog abandonments, pet abuse and, on occasion, dog attacks on humans. d.forest is rectifying these problems by fixing the ignorance that lies at their root.
The field is part of the complex on which dogs showcase their camaraderie both with humans and themselves.
Nestled on a forested mountainside, the dog
park is decked out with an expansive array of
leisurely, educational and cultural content dedicated
to all things pooch, including Korea¡¯s first
dog museum with its own curator.
d.forest¡¯s most important space is its museum, a space dedicated to the ¡°beautiful relationship between dogs and humans.¡±
Divided into three halls, the museum presents materials and exhibits designed to offer visitors a better understanding of domesticated dogs, plus how to cohabit and nurture them in mutually beneficial relationships.
Hall 1 explores the history of the relationship between dogs and people, examining why dogs inevitably became mankind¡¯s companion.
Hall 2 attempts to look at the world through the eyes of our dogs. Experts also offer tips on raising dogs and share useful information pertaining to dog language, physique and other dog-related matters.
Lastly, Hall 3 examines how dogs and humans can live better lives together as a community, diving in to explore dog-related issues and controversies such as dog attacks.
After you¡¯ve learned more about your dog, it's time to play. Right behind the museum is d.forest Playland, a grassy field where your dog can enjoy sunshine, wind and freedom. The playland is also the main venue for the park¡¯s special events, including dog sports competitions.
d.forest Playland continues into the walking trail, a refreshing path through a beautiful forest of white birch trees. Palm mats line the trail for safety and comfort. A pleasure pond not only adds a bit more scenic beauty, but offers visitors a place to take in the changing of the seasons.
Both d.forest Playland and the walking trail are on-leash zones.
Strolling amidst flower-studded woodlands is a popular activity for couples during springtime in Korea. © Studio Kenn
Near the end of the trail, you¡¯ll find two large grass fields. These are the d.forest Fields, where you can let your dog off their leash and let them run wild. It¡¯s pooch paradise.
The smaller field is for dogs under 10 kilograms, while the larger one is for dogs over 10 kilograms. While you can let your dog be free, visitors are still encouraged to keep a close eye on their canine companion. Just in case.
Dogs on leash intermingle with their human companions on the playland.
d.forest offers a few more conveniences as well.
The d.forest Market presents a carefully curated selection of dog care items at reasonable prices. For your human companions, however, the d.forest Museum Shop has plenty of cute souvenirs.
If you need to take care of some business, there¡¯s a dog waiting room with a professional trainer on duty. There are also two separate infirmaries — one for humans, one for dogs — and even a dog wash station to clean up your furry friend after a long and fun day.
All this excitement requires energy, and the food terrace on the third floor of the museum offers seasonal Korean delights as well as pizza and lighter fare. A separate snack bar is located near d.forest Playland. Moreover, there are cafes throughout the part serving coffee brewed from beans from Melbourne-based specialty roaster Dukes Coffee and sweet desserts.
The main building of d.forest houses its souvenir shop, Dog Museum and cafe. © Studio Kenn
The park–complex is open between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except on Mondays when they¡¯re closed. Prices for entry vary by age group: KRW 17,000 (approx. USD 15.25) for adults, KRW 15,000 for teenagers, KRW 12,000 for children and KRW 8,000 (approx. USD 7.2) for dogs. By car, it takes no more than an hour to arrive from downtown Seoul, as the park is minutes away from the Seoul–Yangyang Expressway¡¯s Gangchon Intersection. Expect a fairly cooler climate than Seoul and hence, a later prime time for buds and blossoms.
