Seoul invites pampered pups for ‘Petlympic’ glory

Move over, human swimmers and marathon runners: Korea is gearing up for a far more chaotic, tail-wagging display of athletic prowess. On Oct. 24 and 25, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will transform Peace Plaza at World Cup Park in the northwestern part of the capital into the epicenter of canine athleticism for the 2026 Seoul Petlympic. Now in its second year, the event aims to democratize dog sports, offering a hilarious, high-stakes arena where pampered city pups can trade their couch cushions for competitive glory. The spectacle reflects a major demographic transformation across the country. In a nation navigating low fertility rates and growing single-person households, pet ownership has quietly soared. One in four households has at least one pet. This cultural pivot has spawned a booming “pet economy,” complete with canine daycares, clinics and now, municipally sponsored athletic games. While seasoned canine athletes will compete in hair-raising agility courses, frisbee showdowns and choreographed dancing, the real draw lies in the beginner-friendly track events. Ordinary city d

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