Luxury pet clinic in Korea reflects changing times

I found this article and thought I would share.

In Seoul ,Korea you can now check your dog into a luxury clinic for a shower and a health checkup. Not only is Irion a dog clinic, it's also a hotel, grooming salon, cafe, shop, daycare center and exercise area.

This is a growing trend in a country where dogs were once seen as food. Eating dogs is a longstanding custom but many Koreans now oppose it and see it as an international embarrassment. The Korea Dog Farmers' Association canceled a dogmeat festival after protests from animal rights' activists.

Times have changed and Koreans now see dogs as partners for life and treat them as family members, hence the rise in luxury pet salons like Irion.

http://news.yahoo.com/pet-hotel-thrives-...20302.html

"Despite the price, Park said about 2,000 dogs and cats come to Irion every month for all sorts of services." WOW - that's a lot of animals! I was happy they're not leaving cats out of the picture here. I just wonder if there's a separate wing or something for the cats to stay in. When we used to take our cats to regular vets they seemed more jumpy and nervous, but now our cats go to a cat only specialist vet. Anyway, it's good to know Koreans are coming to love dogs as family members and not as food!

Yes, it's great that the role of dogs in Korea has changed.

When I watch Korean sitcoms, movies and dramas, I see dogs being treated as family members and fashionable young women carrying tiny, spoiled dogs.

The only reference I have seen recently to eating dogmeat was in a historical drama but they were trying to be accurate about that time in Korea's past.

Good to know that the Koreans are dog-lovers now. However, I don't think the luxury pet clinic is a sign of their change in tastes. I would say it's more a reflection of their level of wealth. When people get rich, they will find ways to waste their money. I am not against taking good care of dogs. However, giving a dog spa treatment, in my opinion, is a waste of money.

(07-22-2012, 08:03 PM)Victor Leigh Wrote: Good to know that the Koreans are dog-lovers now. However, I don't think the luxury pet clinic is a sign of their change in tastes. I would say it's more a reflection of their level of wealth. When people get rich, they will find ways to waste their money. I am not against taking good care of dogs. However, giving a dog spa treatment, in my opinion, is a waste of money.

I agree that a dog spa treatment is excessive and the clinic is located in a rich part of Seoul. But I still thought it was a nice story.

I think it was a very nice story also, ACSAPA, and I really don't have a problem with the rich folk wanting to spend money on their pets. I think they SHOULD, actually. This place is far more than just a "spa" as it has veterinary services, grooming services, exercise facilities, etc., that are needful and beneficial for the animals. The hotel prices range from about $35 - $176 a night, which I really don't find that excessive for everything that is offered at this place.

(07-24-2012, 07:16 PM)ACSAPA Wrote: I agree that a dog spa treatment is excessive and the clinic is located in a rich part of Seoul. But I still thought it was a nice story.

Yes, it's a nice story. Just like the other one I read about someone spending 150K for a doggie wedding. Probably 150K is just loose change for those people.

As a dog lover, I'm glad to see that the South Koreans are treating dogs differently these days. I do find it interesting that America has the reputation for spoiling our dogs and cats because we spend so much on food, toys, and veterinary care. Yet, it seems that the Japanese, South Koreans, and other nations are more serious about pet pampering.

I agree with Victor that it represents a change in wealth. I find a doggie spa to be less of a necessity. Even though the prices seem cheap, I wonder what the average South Korean makes in wages? The price may seem low, but it might be high if wages aren't very high to begin with. This is something I expect to see in Beverly Hills or New York City.

I thought this comment from the article was interesting:
"These facilities are necessities, not luxuries, for people raising animals. Unfortunately I couldn't find facilities good enough to feel safe and satisfied before I opened Irion."

I wonder why the person considers these facilities a necessity? For instance, is it difficult to bath a dog because of the way South Korean housing is set up? Do South Koreans go away for business often so they need over night care for their pets regularly?

(07-25-2012, 01:14 PM)TreeClimber Wrote: I thought this comment from the article was interesting:
"These facilities are necessities, not luxuries, for people raising animals. Unfortunately I couldn't find facilities good enough to feel safe and satisfied before I opened Irion."

You have just quoted an advertising copy. Of course, those facilities are necessities. Necessities like they are necessary for the facility owners to make money.

(07-25-2012, 04:39 PM)Victor Leigh Wrote: You have just quoted an advertising copy. Of course, those facilities are necessities. Necessities like they are necessary for the facility owners to make money.

Oh my gosh, I have to admit I literally laughed out loud, Victor, at your quick wit! I'm still grinning and chuckling!
Well, it was an ingenious business idea that really paid off for this guy and for that I've gotta tip my hat to him! I admire successful business people - as long as they're honest!

I also wondered the same thing as TreeClimber, as to why it's necessary to take your dog to be bathed at this place and why the animals need overnight stays. Well, it makes sense if the owners are gone on business or vacation, boarding their beloved furry friends in a nice place like this. But having them bathed there? Hmm, I did find it a bit curious.
You know, actually, come to think of it, I see lots of dogs being bathed at the pet food place (Pet Supplies Plus) I go to get my cat food and litter. I never gave a thought to WHY they are there to be bathed! Now I might just have to ask the owner of the store why his customers bring their dogs in to get bathed!