Thursday, March 27, 2025
Traveling with pets is a dream for many pet owners, but it often comes with its own set of challenges. The desire to take pets on trips is high on the bucket lists of many animal lovers. However, it can be difficult to find suitable destinations, accommodations, and places where pets are welcomed. This issue became particularly evident to Banlife CEO Lee Hye-mi, who experienced these challenges firsthand when she adopted her two Welsh corgis 14 years ago.
Lee explained that she loved traveling, but when she first adopted her pets, there were few resources to guide her in finding pet-friendly locations. She recalls that she had to carefully check whether the places she planned to visit allowed pets, a task that wasn’t as simple as it sounds. According to her, there were no apps or resources available at the time to help travelers navigate these restrictions, which led her to the idea of creating a solution herself.
The Birth of Banlife
It was with this in mind that Lee Hye-mi founded Banlife five years ago. The platform’s core purpose is to assist pet owners in planning their travels with their furry companions by offering reservation services and information on pet-friendly accommodations, tourist spots, restaurants, and cafes. Lee’s background as a developer for the country’s largest food delivery platform was a valuable asset in the creation of this innovative service.
Despite facing initial struggles, such as the hesitation many people felt about traveling with their pets, as well as the unexpected arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, Banlife pressed on. Lee admitted that there were moments when it seemed easier to shift focus to other more profitable areas, such as the retail sector, but she and her team remained committed to their vision of helping pet owners create lasting memories with their pets while traveling.
Unique Travel Packages for Pet Owners
In response to the challenges faced by pet owners, Banlife introduced special one-day trips for pet owners to help them ease into pet-friendly travel. One notable offering was the templestay package, which invited pet owners to stay at Mireuksa, a Buddhist temple in Iksan, North Jeolla Province. Here, pets were welcomed with handmade temple robes, allowing them to enjoy peaceful walks around the temple grounds and even join their owners for tea with a monk.
This templestay experience combined relaxation, mindfulness, and cultural exploration, offering pet owners an opportunity to deepen their connection with their pets while also enjoying a serene, spiritual environment. The package included traditional temple cuisine, participation in sacred rituals like the 108 bows, and activities such as making colorful lotus lanterns, all of which promoted bonding between pet and owner in a tranquil setting.
To further support pet owners in traveling with their animals, Banlife also introduced a service where dog trainers accompany customers to help correct any behavior issues during the trip. This added service addresses some of the more stressful aspects of traveling with pets, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for both pets and their owners.
The Changing Landscape of Pet-Friendly Travel
The rising acceptance of pets as beloved family members has played a key role in the growth of pet-friendly tourism. Lee observed that an increasing number of businesses and even local governments have shown greater interest in creating pet-friendly experiences. For example, Starbucks stores now allow pets, and various local governments are investing in pet-friendly tourism initiatives. This shift in perception has been reflected in Banlife’s profits, which have doubled year after year, indicating that there is growing demand for pet-inclusive travel options.
However, challenges remain in the pet travel industry, such as restrictions on transportation. Many modes of transport, including trains, buses, and airplanes, impose limitations on pet travel based on weight or breed. Additionally, only a limited number of restaurants, cafes, and tourist spots accommodate pets, which continues to restrict the options available to pet owners.
Chartered Flights and Pet-Friendly Beaches
To tackle the issue of transportation, Banlife went the extra mile in 2023 by chartering a flight exclusively for customers traveling with their pets. This flight allowed pets to sit right next to their owners, providing a much more comfortable and stress-free travel experience. Lee noted that other travel platforms have begun offering similar services, and this innovative move could serve as a model for pet-friendly travel services in the future. Additionally, Meong Beach in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, is one of the few beaches in South Korea where pets are allowed during the summer season, a significant development for pet owners seeking a beach vacation with their animals.
Gyeongju: A Perfect Pet-Friendly Destination
As spring approaches, Lee suggested that Gyeongju, a city in North Gyeongsang Province, is an excellent option for pet owners looking to travel with their pets. Gyeongju is often referred to as “a museum without walls” due to its rich historical and cultural heritage. Although pets are not allowed at many historical sites, Gyeongju has pet-friendly areas, including spots where visitors can take photos with their pets, such as the Cheomseongdae Observatory. Lee emphasized that it’s always enjoyable to visit places that are easy to explore and welcoming to pets.
The Future of Pet-Friendly Travel
In conclusion, Lee shared that once pet owners experience traveling with their pets, they are likely to become passionate about it. She emphasized that the joy of watching pets explore new places and witnessing their quirky behaviors is a delightful aspect of the journey. For pet owners, traveling with their pets adds an extra layer of fun and connection, making the experience even more memorable. As more people recognize the joy and benefits of traveling with pets, the future of pet-friendly travel looks promising, with many more opportunities for pet owners to explore the world alongside their furry companions.
