PetCare: Educating Pet Lovers
- SEOUL – Facing declining school-age populations, education companies are increasingly diversifying into the pet industry, viewing it as a meaningful growth opportunity.
- The move reflects a broader trend of businesses adapting to South korea's changing demographics.The pet market is projected to experience ample growth in the coming years.
- According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the domestic pet market is expected to grow from 8 trillion won in 2022 to 15 trillion won by 2027,...
Education Firms Expand into Pet Industry Amid Demographic shifts
SEOUL – Facing declining school-age populations, education companies are increasingly diversifying into the pet industry, viewing it as a meaningful growth opportunity.
From Pet Cafes to Hotels: Education Companies Embrace the Pet Market
The move reflects a broader trend of businesses adapting to South korea’s changing demographics.The pet market is projected to experience ample growth in the coming years.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the domestic pet market is expected to grow from 8 trillion won in 2022 to 15 trillion won by 2027, and perhaps reach 20 trillion won by 2032. This expansion is fueled by demographic shifts and evolving social attitudes toward pets, leading to increased demand for premium pet care services.
Daekyo Acquires ‘Howl Pot,’ Focuses on Premium Pet Care
Daekyo, known for its “Eye Level” learning materials, entered the pet market by acquiring Howl Pot, a pet care company, in October of last year. Howl Pot offers services such as dog kindergarten, daycare, grooming, and hoteling at four locations: Hannam, Seocho, Bundang, and Wirye.
Daekyo aims to strengthen Howl Pot’s position as a premium pet care center. Plans include expanding the “Academy” project to train pet care professionals and developing a “petsitter” business utilizing the Academy’s resources.
In March, Howl Pot opened the ‘Howl Pot Edu Center’ at its Hannam branch, offering customized education programs designed to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. The center focuses on creating a training culture that emphasizes communication and strengthens relationships through expert-led systematic curricula.
Howl Pot Edu is offering free visiting training sessions until [insert date] for owners seeking assistance with behavioral issues or adjustment challenges after adopting rescue dogs.
According to a Daekyo official, the company intends to leverage its 49 years of educational expertise to “lead the creation of a happy daily life and sustainable companion culture for pet-owning families.”
Teacher Group Launches Pet-Kind Hotel ‘KINOCK’ in Gyeongju

Teacher Group, known for its “Red Pen” educational program, entered the pet hotel sector in August of last year with the launch of ”KINOCK,” a pet-friendly hotel in Gyeongju designed for travelers with pets.
The name “KINOCK” is inspired by the sound of pets’ paws. The brand philosophy centers on the coexistence of humans and pets and the creation of a mature companion animal culture.
KINOCK is designed with pets in mind, featuring facilities tailored to their needs. The hotel,with a total floor area of 7000㎡ (approximately 2120 pyeong),was created by completely renovating the existing ’Sweet Hotel Gyeongju’ to offer 34 pet-specific rooms.
In addition to a 2500 pyeong outdoor pet park, KINOCK offers indoor pet parks, pet kindergartens, grooming salons, boarding services, and a retail shop.
A Teacher Group official stated that the company planned and introduced KINOCK to provide a space where pets and their owners can relax and feel at home.
– Ryu Nan-young, Newsis
Education companies’ expansion into the Pet Industry: A Q&A
Why are Education Companies Entering the Pet Industry?
Education companies are increasingly diversifying into the pet industry, seeing it as a valuable growth chance. This is primarily driven by declining school-age populations.
What’s the Trend Behind This Shift?
This move reflects a wider trend of businesses adapting to changing demographics, specifically in South Korea. The pet market is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years.
How Big is the Pet Market Expected to Get?
The domestic pet market is expected to grow substantially. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, it’s projected to expand from 8 trillion won in 2022 to 15 trillion won by 2027, and possibly reach 20 trillion won by 2032.
What Factors are Driving Pet Market Growth?
The growth is fueled by:
Demographic shifts: changes in the population structure.
Evolving social attitudes toward pets: An increased perception of pets as family members, leading to higher spending on their care.
Increased demand for premium pet care services: People are willing to pay more for quality services.
Which Companies are Diversifying into the Pet Sector?
Two prominent examples mentioned in the source material are:
Daekyo: Known for its “Eye Level” learning materials.
teacher Group: Known for its “Red Pen” educational program.
How is Daekyo Entering the Pet Market?
Daekyo entered the market by acquiring Howl Pot, a pet care company, in October of last year.
What Services Does Howl Pot Offer?
Howl Pot offers a range of premium pet care services, including:
Dog kindergarten
Daycare
Grooming
Hoteling (pet boarding)
Where are Howl Pot’s Locations?
Howl Pot has four locations:
Hannam
Seocho
Bundang
Wirye
What are Daekyo’s Plans for Howl Pot?
Daekyo plans to:
Strengthen Howl Pot’s position as a premium pet care center.
Expand the “Academy” project to train pet care professionals.
Develop a “petsitter” business using the Academy’s resources.
What is the ‘Howl Pot Edu Center’?
The ‘Howl Pot Edu center’ at the Hannam branch offers:
Customized education programs designed to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners.
A training culture emphasizing communication and relationship-building.
Expert-led systematic curricula.
Are there any Special Training Offers at Howl Pot?
Yes, Howl Pot Edu is offering free visiting training sessions until [insert date] for owners needing help with behavioral issues or adjustment challenges, especially for those who have adopted rescue dogs.
How does Daekyo want to use its Expertise?
Daekyo intends to leverage its 49 years of educational expertise to “lead the creation of a happy daily life and lasting companion culture for pet-owning families.”
What is KINOCK?
KINOCK is a pet-friendly hotel launched by Teacher Group in Gyeongju, South Korea. It opened in August of last year. It’s designed for travelers with pets.
What Inspired the name “KINOCK”?
The name “KINOCK” is derived from the sound of pets’ paws.
What is the Brand Philosophy of KINOCK?
The brand philosophy centers on the coexistence of humans and pets and the creation of a mature companion animal culture.
What Features Does KINOCK Offer?
KINOCK is designed with pets’ needs in mind, offering:
Pet-specific rooms (34 rooms)
Outdoor and indoor pet parks
Pet kindergartens
Grooming salons
Boarding services
* Retail shop
What is the Size of KINOCK?
KINOCK is located in a renovated hotel with a total floor area of approximately 7000㎡ (2120 pyeong). It also has a 2500 pyeong outdoor pet park.
What Makes KINOCK Unique?
KINOCK provides a space where pets and their owners can relax and feel at home.
Summary of Key Features: Daekyo’s howl Pot vs. Teacher Group’s KINOCK
Here is a comparison of the core offerings:
| Feature | Daekyo’s Howl Pot | Teacher Group’s KINOCK |
| —————— | ————————————————– | ————————————————- |
| Primary Focus | Premium Pet Care Services (Dog Kindergarten,etc.) | Pet-Friendly Hotel |
| Core Services | Dog kindergarten, daycare, grooming, hoteling | Pet-specific rooms, pet parks, boarding, grooming |
| Locations | hannam, Seocho, Bundang, Wirye | Gyeongju |
| Educational Component | Howl Pot Edu Center provides training | N/A |
| Target Audience | Pet owners seeking premium care and training | Travelers with pets |
