![Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young takes part in a pet festival program and looks on as residents spend time with their dogs. [Photo=Gyeongju City]](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2026/01/29/20260129015459257200.jpg)
Gyeongju City said Tuesday the system allowing customers to bring pets into food-service establishments will take effect March 1.
The city said the move is intended to improve convenience for pet owners while also protecting the choice of customers who do not have pets.
The policy applies to restaurants, snack bars and bakeries, and it limits eligible pets to dogs and cats.
Ahead of the rollout, the city set new facility requirements, operating rules and administrative penalty standards for businesses that allow pets.
Participating businesses must post a sign at the exterior entrance indicating pets are allowed. They also must install partitions or fencing to prevent animals from entering food-handling areas such as kitchens and ingredient storage rooms.
Businesses must keep pets from roaming freely and provide dedicated seating, a cage, a restraint device or a separate designated area.
They must also verify pets’ vaccination status and notify customers that unvaccinated animals will be barred from entry.
To strengthen hygiene, the city said businesses must maintain spacing between tables and use covers to prevent contaminants such as animal hair from getting into food.
Violations of facility standards or operating rules may result in corrective orders or administrative penalties, including suspension of business operations, the city said.
To reduce confusion early in the rollout, the city said it will provide training and publicity for business owners and conduct intensive inspections of compliance.
Mayor Joo Nak-young said, “As life with pets has become part of everyday living, this system is a step in which the administration responds ahead of changes in residents’ lives.” He added, “Through thorough hygiene and safety standards, we will create a dining environment that both pet owners and non-pet owners can use with confidence.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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