Korea with Pets
Practical travel guide based on official transportation information

Public Transportation with Pets in Korea

How to use trains, subways, buses and taxis with your pet.

Pet transportation rules can vary by transport type, city and operator. A secure carrier is commonly required, and travelers should check the latest rules before boarding.

Can I Use Public Transportation with My Pet?

In many situations, yes — but the rules depend on the transportation provider and your pet's circumstances.

Small pets are commonly required to remain inside an appropriate carrier.

Some transportation providers also apply restrictions related to:

  • pet type
  • size or weight
  • carrier size
  • vaccination
  • odor
  • passenger safety
  • specific routes or services

Always check the current rule for the service you plan to use.

Important

Do not assume that a pet accepted on one train, bus, subway or taxi service will automatically be accepted by another.

Traveling by Train with a Pet

Current KORAIL published rule

KORAIL currently states that pets must be placed in a separate carrying container such as a kennel when boarding a train.

Allowed pets include animals such as dogs, cats and birds that meet the applicable conditions.

Pet weight
Less than 10 kg
Carrier
Pet must remain in a carrying container
Carrier size
Aggregate carrier dimensions must meet KORAIL's published limit
Vaccination
Pets must be vaccinated

Current KORAIL published rule — carrier dimensions

45 cm × 30 cm × 25 cm

aggregate length 100 cm

These are KORAIL's current published conditions and may change. Always verify before travel.

KORAIL — Train Baggage & Pet Rules (opens an external website)

These KORAIL conditions apply to KORAIL services. They are not rules for every train operator in Korea.

KTX and Other Rail Services

KTX is operated within the KORAIL rail system, so travelers should check KORAIL's current pet and carry-on rules before boarding.

Other rail services may use different policies. If you plan to travel with another rail operator, such as SRT, check that operator's current official rules directly — KORAIL's conditions do not automatically apply.

Using the Subway with a Pet

Small pets may use subway services when kept securely inside an appropriate carrier, subject to the applicable operator's rules.

Pets should not create significant odor, disturbance or discomfort for other passengers.

  • Keep your pet fully secured
  • Use an appropriate carrier
  • Avoid blocking aisles or doors
  • Keep noise and disturbance to a minimum
  • Check the operator's latest rules if uncertain

Rules may differ between transportation operators and regions.

Using Buses with a Pet

Pet acceptance on buses can vary by bus company, route and service.

Official Korea tourism guidance advises that pets should be kept inside a carrier and notes that acceptance can vary by company.

Before Boarding a Bus

  • Keep your pet inside an appropriate carrier
  • Confirm the operator's pet policy if possible
  • Avoid creating disturbance for other passengers
  • Be prepared to use another transportation option if the operator cannot accept the pet

Important

City buses, intercity buses and express buses may be operated under different policies. Always check the relevant operator.

Taking a Taxi with Your Pet

Taxi pet policies can vary by company and driver/service type.

Official Korea tourism guidance recommends keeping pets in a carrier and notes that pet acceptance varies by company.

Standard Taxi

Pet acceptance can vary.

Keep the pet secured and confirm if needed.

App-Based Taxi

Availability and pet acceptance can depend on the service and vehicle.

Pet-Focused Transport

Dedicated pet transportation services may be available in some areas.

Pet-focused transportation services are examples only. Availability, coverage and conditions can change, so check current availability in the area where you are traveling.

Quick Comparison

Quick overview — always verify current operator rules.

Train / KORAIL

Carrier required

Rule source: KORAIL rules

Subway

Carrier generally required for small pets

Rule source: Operator rules

Bus

Carrier generally expected

Rule source: Company / operator rules

Taxi

Carrier recommended / commonly required depending on provider

Rule source: Company / service rules

Before Using Public Transportation

  • Check your chosen transportation provider's latest pet rules
  • Prepare an appropriate carrier
  • Keep your pet secure during the journey
  • Carry relevant pet documentation if needed
  • Plan transfers before leaving
  • Identify an alternative route or taxi option if necessary
  • Check your destination's pet access rules before arrival

A route that is convenient for a person may not always be the easiest route when traveling with a pet.

Why the Carrier Matters

A secure carrier is one of the most important pieces of equipment when using transportation with a pet in Korea.

It can help:

  • meet transport-provider requirements
  • reduce disruption to other passengers
  • keep your pet secure
  • make transfers easier
Flying to Korea with a Pet

Travel Considerately

  • Keep your pet under control.
  • Keep carriers clean.
  • Minimize noise and disturbance.
  • Do not block aisles, doors or seats.
  • Clean up responsibly when outside transportation facilities.
  • Respect passengers who may be uncomfortable around animals.
  • Check pet-access rules before entering your destination.
Pet Etiquette in Korea

A Simple Day Out

  1. 01Hotel
  2. 02Subway / Taxi
  3. 03Pet-Friendly Attraction
  4. 04Restaurant or Cafe
  5. 05Return to Stay

Korea with Pets can help you find pet-friendly destinations before you start your journey.

Explore Pet-Friendly Places

Where Are You Traveling?

Plan Your Next Stop

Continue Your Pet Travel Journey

Check Current Transportation Rules

For buses, subways and taxis, always check the current policy of the operator or service you plan to use.

Source & policy notice — Korea with Pets is an independent travel information service. Transportation policies may change and may differ by city, company, route, service and operator. Always verify current conditions directly with the relevant transportation provider before travel.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Transportation rules can change at any time. Confirm the current rules with the operator or service you plan to use before traveling.