South Korea finds companionship in dogs

A recent trend in South Korea has been sparking national headlines. Deemed one of the “loneliest” countries in the world, the people are now looking for a change.

As of 2024, 1 in 4 adults in South Korea experience severe loneliness, with 77% of Koreans saying they feel lonely. This rapid increase … has questioned the reason for loneliness among Koreans. According to Carnegie Endowment, South Koreans have the “lowest fertility rate in the world.” They also have one of the fastest aging populations, due to low marriage rates and birth rates. But what are people doing now to break this cycle of loneliness?

South Korea has now made the shift towards more animal rights and protection over certain domestic pets like dogs. Traditions in South Korea have consisted of breeding dogs for meat, but on Jan 9., the South Korean parliament passed a bill to end the consumption of dogs. This controversial, yet pivotal decision has gravitated society to positively view dogs as pets. 

The pandemic also helped bring more dogs into the household. Stray and sheltered dogs brought a sense of life into the home while being cooped up. Ever since, the rates of pet dogs have increased. According to the San Juan Daily Star, 1 in 4 families own a pet in South Korea, which has gone up from the 17.4%2 rate in 2010. 

Good Counsel junior Christopher Ai shared his personal story of how his grandmother became impacted with her decision to adopt a dog. “My mom’s side of the family was born in South Korea. They grew up following traditional respect for their elders, meaning a more serious upbringing. It almost felt dull, until my grandmother got a dog who lived with us and taught us the importance of loving each other”

These dogs are helping to ease the emotional stress and isolation that many people are experiencing. Walt Whitman High School junior Jessica Fox says that ever since getting a dog, she has felt less stressed. “I thought it would be fun to have another champion, but I found that when things weren’t going as well for me, he was an emotional support I found peace in.”

 Stress within South Korea is a rampant issue due to the educational and professional environment. Scientists have conducted a study to examine how impactful dogs have been on the human mind. According to CBS, scientists found that out of 30 adults interacting with four-year-old year old poodles, “subjects were more relaxed when walking or playing with the dog and exhibited better concentration when grooming, massaging or again, playing with the dog.” These interactions help to decrease stress levels and are now considered an “effective” treatment for mental health. Additional studies have also found that these benefits also decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and behavioral distress. 

The social aspect of having a dog has also helped many people in South Korea find new friends. This has also been true for Walt Whitman High School teacher Michele Traficante, who says she has been able to socialize more since getting her dog, said,“Because of the dog, I go on a lot of walks, and I definitely have met people because my dog stops to say hi to their dog. It’s a good way to make friends.”

Written by Romina Mofrad