The dog cafe industry in South Korea has been a hot topic over the past few years. The number of people owning a dog has increased tenfold. Compared to the West, Korea has a very strong and ever growing "dog cafe and hotel", and "dog accessory" market which Dojeon team member, Lewis could not resist wanting to find out more! Read on to find out about this fascinating new market! I recently had an in person interview in order to discuss the industry first hand with dog cafe and hotel owner Jo Hyun Young. Hyun Young, can you please tell the readers about yourself?    My name is Jo Hyun Young, and I am 35 years old. I run a dog cafe and hotel and I also rescue abandoned dogs in Daegu, and I am a proud owner of 3 dogs!  Can you please tell the readers how you started to rescue abandoned dogs, and how that has had an impact on your life today?  I found a dog in a harness next to Starbucks at Palgongsan Mountain in Daegu who was lying around. I approached him and gave him some food, as he looked hungry. I later found out that his name is Sodam, and after finding this dog, I became interested in helping other abandoned dogs or dogs in need, and volunteered at a dog shelter, and later went on to open my own dog cafe and hotel which is called "Dog Place". Today, as well as running the commercial side, I also home abandoned dogs which wait to get adopted out, as often they are in 'high Kill shelters' or bad conditions out in the street. I'd say that it's very rewarding but also hard work.  Now, back in December 2022, I also adopted a dog from "Dog Place", and I have to say that the service and cause is so good, and sadly never ending with more and more abandoned dogs being found and due to the broken system not all of them can be rescued. South Korea has the world's lowest "birth rate" in 2023, however the number of Koreans buying dogs as pets has increased. Why do you think this is?  I think it is because, pets are less of a burden than having children, and raising children is much more expensive. That's why I am satisfied like most Koreans to love and give affection to a pet rather than raising a child. However, it is of course not desirable to see a low birth rate. I think that there are many factors of having a low birth rate, such as rising prices, employment difficulties, and of course the cost of raising children and young Koreans not wanting to get married. The government should identify the fundamental problems of having a low birth rate and work on finding adequate solutions.  There is of course more dog cafes, hotels and dog parks, and most young Koreans look at raising a dog differently to the older generation and view them more as pets.  I also hold inspirational and educational talks with local schools in order to discuss the dog industry and help the young generation understand these animals more, in the hope that it will help the country and industry, since the number of dog owners has been increasing. In the UK and other Western Countries, dog hotels and cafes are not really a business. Can you share why you think they have become so popular in South Korea?  In my opinion, the reason why dog cafes are popular in Korea, is because dog owners can take their dogs to a safe place, to meet other dogs and likeminded people, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. It's also nice for the dogs to not be on a leash, and for them to run around and of course dog owners get satisfaction by watching their dogs have fun.  I also think that, as most Koreans live in apartment buildings compared to Western houses, having outside space is very rare, so a dog café environment is very popular.  What is the most challenging aspect of running a dog cafe & hotel?  Safety is the biggest challenge and of course the most important. Of course, dogs have different behavior like humans, so it important to take care of each dog to prevent accidents happening.  What can we expect from you and "Dog Place" in the future?  I will continue to rescue abandoned dogs and dogs from shelters as much as I can, as well as making "Dog Place" as comfortable for the dogs and guests as possible. I hope to be able to adopt out and help more dogs.    If you are affected, or would simply like to help the cause / or adopt your own dog - then please sign up and follow; 'sodam_homerun_byeori' on Instagram! #doglovers #dogplace #dogcafe

Fans can't help but be amazed at HYBE's newest girl group ILLIT's tremendously successful debut! We break down the secret to ILLIT's success and why fans are attracted to them, "like magnetic"! Raking in over 10 million views on their debut single "Magnetic" ILLIT seems to be following the footsteps of their "older sisters" NewJeans ! Also, becoming the first group to break the record for a debut album "Super Real Me" in sales for the first week has surpassed 380,000 copies! Let's check out the charms from the members of ILLIT and what makes them "magnetic" to fans! Wonhee is a K-pop prodigy! No one expected Wonhee to win first place in the reality show "R U Next?" produced by HYBE's BELIFT Lab and JTBC. While training for the show, it was revealed that Wonhee had only been a trainee for a week and a day! Wonhee hadn't even thought about becoming an idol! When asked on social media to debut as an idol, she responded, "How could I possibly become an idol?" Later, she was street-casted by HYBE using NewJeans' "Hype Boy" in her audition! Perhaps because of her short training as a trainee, many criticized her lack of skills in the survival program. But due to her hard work and charm, Wonhee had the last laugh! In the M/V of "Magnetic" Wonhee can be seen as the focal point of the group showing off her skill and charm as the center member! She really is a K-pop prodigy! Minju had YG training before her debut! Before appearing in "R U Next?", Minju was a trainee at YG Entertainment . She demonstrated great vocals and had clean and stable dance skills that catapulted her to capturing third place in the program! Minju stated that she loves singing and it helps her lose track of time. She was a trainee for five years before debuting with ILLIT. Former JYP trainee Iroha! Despite being the youngest member of ILLIT, Iroha impressed everyone with her dancing skills since she started as a JYP trainee at the age of 11! She also spent a total of 5 years as a trainee, including her time at HYBE. On the verge of going home, Yunah defied all odds! After finishing 7th on "R U Next?" many viewers thought Yunah would be eliminated. But because of her charm and exceptional skills which earned her 2nd place during HYBE's monthly evaluations, HYBE decided to let her debut with ILLIT! Stable live vocals Moka Finishing 8th on "R U Next?" Moka didn't make the debut group lineup, but HYBE decided to choose her anyway because of her tremendous control of her voice and her ability to dance cleanly with good strength control! Like Iroha, Moka has a great stage presence. We can all thank Moka's mom, who is a huge K-pop fan in Japan and encouraged her daughter to follow her dreams! "Magnetic" is "addictive" So why has ILLIT received so much success and why is their hit single "Magnetic" grabbing everyone's attention? After listening to "Magnetic" you'll notice how catchy the chorus is. It also contains a lot of "magnetic" lyrics such as "attracted" , "pulled" , and "attached" . The M/V also hints that each member has a special power hinting that perhaps there might be a bigger story and universe behind the group! So what are your thoughts about ILLIT's debut "Magnetic"? Is it on your playlist yet? Comment below with your thoughts and let us know who your favorite member is! #ILLIT #MAGNETIC #HYBE #BELIFTLAB

MAX is coming to Manila! 🇵🇭🎉 Schneider Monkeys, this is your chance! Get to see amazing live performances by MAX, the talented singer-songwriter known for hits like “Lights Down Low,” “Blueberry Eyes”, and “STUPID IN LOVE”. Max recently collaborated with Le Sserafim's Huh Yunjin for the single "Stupid in Love"! Their dance together went viral as well! Here's a simple guide on how you can stay updated with MAX by downloading the Ayala Malls Zing app and following him on Spotify. Step 1: Download the Ayala Malls Zing App One Ayala , a premier lifestyle and shopping destination, is not just a place for top-tier shopping experiences; it's also a hub for entertainment and live performances. By downloading the Ayala Malls Zing app, fans of MAX can stay informed about upcoming events, including exclusive mall shows and appearances by MAX. Here's how to get started: 1. Visit the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices). 2. Search for "Ayala Malls Zing" and download the app. 3. Register for an account to start receiving updates and notifications about events, promotions, and more. Step 2: Follow MAX on Spotify Spotify, the leading music streaming platform, is your gateway to MAX's discography, including all his hits like "Lights Down Low" and "Blueberry Eyes," along with his latest releases. Following MAX on Spotify ensures that you're always just a click away from his music. Here's how to follow him: 1. Open the Spotify app or visit the Spotify website. 2. Use the search function to find MAX's artist page. 3. Click on the "Follow" button located under his profile picture. By following MAX on Spotify, you'll have instant access to his music, including new singles, albums, and curated playlists. Additionally, Spotify offers the feature of receiving notifications whenever MAX releases new music, so you're always in the loop. #MAXLIVEINONEAYALA , #ONEAYALA , #ONESTOPADVENTURE

Netflix's top non-English speaking show Queen of Tears is sweeping the globe! Not only is it number one in its native South Korea, but also on the streaming platform! Not only did the cast reveal some juicy secrets about each other, but they all gang up on Kim Ji Won's quirky must-haves and habits! Read on to find out more! "She carries around these body massages that essentially have horns...do they look like this?" Kim Soo Hyun jokes about Kim Ji Won's must-have essential while filming! Netflix shares more about its hit show Queen of Tears as it asks its stellar cast to share interesting secrets about each other! We didn't know Kim Soo Hyun loves: meat of all kinds — beef, chicken, pork when he's not eating meat outside, he's grilling it at home! Kim Ji Won can't live without: her portable massagers — she takes them everywhere she goes snacks — she likes snacking in between scenes and loves to share them with the cast and crew! Park Sung Hoon loves: his dog! He even bought his dog an automatic feeder! So cute! playing the villain! With positive feedback from his peers, playing the bad guy suits him better! Kwak Dong Yeon shares his true self! he loves boxing at the moment as it helps clear his mind he wanted to play the child in the series since he got lots of attention from doing nothing! Watch the whole video here! Also, check out these very sweet behind-the-scenes moments between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won while filming! Comment below with your favorite character in Queen of Tears and let us know why! #QueenofTears #KimSooHyun #KimJiWon #ParkSungHoon #KwakDongYeon

Last year the "Seoul Outdoor Library" welcomed an impressive 1.7 million visitors, and this year it hopes to increase that number! We introduce to you a great way to bring in the summer while enjoying a nice spring breeze outdoors! This year, the event will not only be held at Seoul Plaza & Gwanghwamun Square , but it will also be held at Cheonggyecheon Stream between April 18th — November 10th, every Thursday — Sunday. Visitors will be able to read about 3,000 books , which will be placed on-site, and there will also be bean bags, picnic mats, and parasols for visitors to use during their visit! A special zone will also be set up for events like book talks and a book exhibition of the author of the month selected by the city government. This family fun event is something not to be missed, and I for sure will be making a visit or two this year! You can find out more information about the event on the link below: https://english.seoul.go.kr/seoul-outdoor-library-in-gwanghwamun-square-and-seoul-plaza/ Let us know in the comments below if you will be heading to the "Seoul Outdoor Library" this year! Also, let us know what Seoul landmarks you would like us to cover! #outdoorlibrary #seoul #seouloutdoorlibrary

Former I.O.I. member and solo artist Jeon Somi has been put under the microscope after the launch of her cosmetic line, Glyf, on April 2, 2024! K-pop fans showed their displeasure at the singer's new endeavor as well as her off-the-stage antics! Read on for more on this issue! K-pop superstar Jeon Somi launched her cosmetics brand, Glyf, which featured a highlighter palette on Tuesday but was met with some criticism due to its high price relative to its quality. The high price of 40,000 KRW (USD 30) per palette set was met with some scrutiny by fans since a normal palette set costs around 20,000 KRW (USD 15). Because of this issue, the original sale price started at 30,000 KRW (USD 22) during the product's launch. Of course, purchasing the product is up to the buyer's discretion. Moreover, it was the no-refund policy after purchasing the product that had fans outraged. There were also complaints about the quality of the case compared to the price offered. Too much skin! Just a day after the launch of her cosmetics brand, Jeon Somi was also under fire for showing "inappropriate" photos of herself and her good friend Chaeyoung from Twice ! Chaeyoung posted a photo of the two in a photo booth lifting their shirts in a fun teasing sort of manner. While the template and frame of the photo covered most of the picture, Somi's chest and bra were exposed leaving a sour taste in many Korean netizens stating "inappropriate public behavior". Many netizens claimed that since the two idols were in a public space where many CCTV cameras were present, it would cause an issue if the footage were to be leaked. However, some netizens supported the girls' fun behavior stating that the girls were just having fun. What are your thoughts about this issue? Should idols be weary of their public behavior, even though some photo booths might offer some privacy? Also, what about Chaeyoung posting the photos on her social media? Do you think that was wise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! #chaeyoung #twice #jeonsomi #somi #glyf

Summer is just around the corner, and like you, I am already trying to plan my trip to make unforgettable memories. In this article, we will look at why you MUST visit Surfyy Beach this year! Located in Gangwondo province in Korea, Surfyy Beach is the place to be seen! YangYang is the closest area to this beach, and despite it's name is not just for surf lovers, but also for those who love fitness, beach bars and even those who want to take some amazing photos in many of the Instagram able photo zones. I have been to Surfyy Beach twice, over the past two years, and the development on this old military beach continues to grow. Now, I do recommend booking accommodation in advance as the local accommodation sells out early. For me, I also think that this beach has much clearer water and pristine sand than the famous beach's on Jeju island . Of course, relating back to the name, the waves are typically high here and its a great place to learn surfing or hit the waves for those of you who are experienced. There's more than just surfing! Don't worry, if surfing is not for you, then you can relax in the beach bar! The onsite beach bar is home to amazing food and cocktails and beer buckets, and at night time it turns into a beach party venue. On some weekends there is also a DJ and special alcohol trucks for the part lovers. I think that the atmosphere is really good, and it just allowed me to get lost in the moment without the stresses of city life! There are many spots on the beach for you to relax on and if you desire you can rent a sun bed for the day for a reasonable price. I think there is nothing better than a dip in the ocean to cool down on a summers day. There are three zones consisting of; the swimming zone for swimmers; and the beanbag zone and the hammock zone for maximum relaxation. Things to note: Surfboard rental (3 hours): 30,000 won Surfboard rental (1 hour): 25,000 won Shuttle Rental:  10,000 Won Surfing lesson: 75,000 won (board rental included) The beach is very well equipped and has everything that you might need to enjoy a day there. Restaurants and more cafes can also be found 10 minutes away in the local town. For that you do need a car, but some tour operators from Seoul run day trips to this beach during special events and the peak of summer, so be sure to keep a look out so you don't miss your chance to visit the hottest beach this year. Address: 507 Junggwangjeong-ri, Hyeonbuk-myeon, Yangyang, Gangwon-do, South Korea. Hajodae is about 2 hours 30 minutes away from Seoul and can be reached by bus. Buses run regularly from Seoul to Yangyang and can be found from many different services. Let us know in the comments below if you will be heading to Surfyy Beach this summer! Also, don't forget to tag us in your photos! Share your Korean summers with us! #summertime #surf #surfingspot #surfspot #southkorea #yangyang

"Halabira" is a song blending of English, Filipino, and Korean languages and represents a powerful anthem of determination and resilience, encouraging its listeners to pursue their dreams and never give up — which is also Purple Heart's way of chasing her dreams of being internationally recognized. Her songs are being recognized on FOX NEWS USA and have debuted on WISH USA. (WISH USA Performance) The song's debut performance was launched in the US through Wish USA. To celebrate this milestone with her fellow Filipino aspiring performers, Jonbudz Music and Lenteng Inocente Productions even launched "K-pop Dreamer The Grand Finale". In this event, 3 Filipino Kpop Cover Groups created their original choreography to PurpleHeart's song "HALABIRA". The winning group will win P 50,000 plus a chance to be part of the official music video of "HALABIRA" with PURPLEHEART! Surprise guests will also be performing at the event. Purple Heart's "Halabira" song launch will be on April 14, 2024, at the Valenzuela People's Park Amphitheater. Tickets are priced at Php 300.00 for General Admission and Php 500.00 for VIP Pass. Secure your tickets through tinyurl.com/jbmkpopdreamertickets now! #purpleheart #jbmkpopdreamer #purpleheartph #halabiraph #jonbudzmusic #lentenginocente

In recent years with the overwhelming success of K-pop, K-dramas and everything related to Korea has brought people from all over the globe to follow their dreams! From Netflix dramas to multiple commercials including Pizza Hut, Dojeon team member, Lewis, recently interviewed Konstantin Romanenko , a successful Russian actor and model to find out what it takes to become a successful actor in South Korea! Can you please introduce yourself to the Dojeon Media readers? My name is Konstantin, I am from Russia, and I grew up in Siberia. I really enjoy traveling, and I have worked and travelled in over 33 countries around the world. I love being in front of the camera, and I have been working as an actor and model for many years before moving to Korea. You were the main character in the 'Pizza Hut' commercial. Can you share some more information about that role? My role in the Pizza Hut commercial was playing the main character. It was a good chance for me to get into the industry here in Korea, and it was a very memorable shoot for me, as I thought it was a 12 hour night shoot. Before the shoot, I did not know exactly what the role was, but on the day of the shoot I was told fully that I would be playing the main role. The shoot then went onto be an 18 hour shoot. The shoot was for a big western company, and I got to work with some amazing people and wear some awesome costumes. It was great, because the commercial was shown all over the country. It was a good opportunity for me and great exposure. What inspired you to become and actor and model? I actually inspired myself to work in this industry, when I was younger I would crave attention and recognition, so I would always try and make a big effort with everything that I did. If I set my mind to something, I would work at it all day every day until I had mastered it. It is still the same today, as I strive to always be the best at everything that I do. How does the entertainment industry in Korea, compare to the entertainment industry in Russia? The industry is very similar, though the pay is higher in Russia, I think because the entertainment industry in Korea is at it's peak, though in reality, its probably because the work that I do in Korea is more focused on modelling and acting, and in Russia it can be broader. The industry in Korea has lots of opportunities to work with different companies than in Russia, also the entertainment industry in Korea is focussed heavily through social media too, and having a strong presence can really help you. What have been the challenges that you have faced so far? The challenges that I have faced have been rejection from some roles that I have applied for in the past mainly based on experience or not having a certain image for a role. In these cases it has just made me want to work harder, so I have used it as a positive, rather than thinking about it negatively. Strong Girl Nam Soon (Netflix 2023) How did you become an actor in Korea? To become an actor in Korea, I had to find an agency. For this, I contacted many agencies and had lots of meetings. Before I got to this stage, I had to ensure that I had a strong work portfolio from Russia and the other countries that I have worked in, so that I could get signed and sponsored. What can we expect from you this year? This year, new films will be released along with YouTube clips and podcasts, along with dramas and commercials, and much more! Make sure that you look out for me! Can you please say a few words for the Dojeon readers? Never give up, and always be happy. Don't stop believing in your dreams and you will become successful! Let us know in the comments below, your questions for Konstantin! #Koreanmodel #KoreanActor #PizzaHut

Asian representation, especially K-pop representation is at an all-time high! With hot trending K-pop acts Le Sserafim , ATEEZ , and The Rose performing at this year's Coachella, this is a performance you don't want to miss! Coachella 2024 will be from Friday, April 12 - Sunday, April 21, 2024 ! The historic annual desert concert is about to heat up some more with K-pop acts about to tear up three stages! In only their second year as a group, Le Sserafim has shown the confidence and skill that many veteran K-pop groups can only dream of! Right off their hit singles "Easy" and "Swan Song" a month ago, Le Sserafim is definitely the group you don't want to miss at one of the year's biggest concerts! Check out this interview as they discuss their new music and being part of Coachella 2024! Not to be outdone, ATEEZ just concluded their "Towards The Light: Will to Power" world tour earlier this year in South Korea and Japan and will bring the energy to the desert! Check out this video of the group just hours ago leaving the country to attend Coachella! Indie-rock band, The Rose , will also make a surprising, but well-deserved appearance at Coachella 2024! The group just added an Asia and Europe leg to their "Dawn to Dusk" tour in the United States and Canada which took over two months! Check out the lineup to see if your favorite group will be performing this year! With all these exciting groups in this year's lineup, who are you most excited to see? Comment below with your thoughts and whether you'll be attending Coachella this year! #Coachella2024 #LeSserafim #ATEEZ #TheRose

Anchors away! If you did not know already, whale watching season in Korea is big business. In this article, we introduce to you everything you need to know about whale watching this year! Ulsan is a small costal town in the south of the country, and it's home to a whale festival, whale museum and of course sight seeing boats which leave the ports and head out to the open water, allowing you a chance to spot a whale in the wild for yourself. Now, of course, because they are wild animals, it's never guaranteed that you will actually see a whale, but for the modest price of 20,000 KRW (USD 15.00) for an adult ticket , I think it's worth the price! The 2024 season will start from March 30, 2024 and will run until late October. I actually embarked on the whale watching cruise from Ulsan towards the end of September last year (2023) and I thought that it was really good value for money, with local Korean entertainment onboard, including snacks, alcohol and coffee's for a low price! Unfortunately, I did not get to spot any whales, however I was told earlier that day, that there were whales in the area from the morning cruise passengers. (I opted for the afternoon cruise). The cruise lasted for around 2.5-3 hours, and it was so good to leave the mainland and get out to the open water and enjoy a local aquatic experience, as I had always dreamed of going whale watching! The whale watching tour is fun for all ages, and is a great couple of family day out, away from the hustle of city life. Located by the departure port and parking lot, you will also find Jangsaengpo Whale museum. This museum is a history museum in Nam-gu Ulsan, and here you will be able to find out in detail the history of Koreas whale watching and the impact that it has had on the area. The award winning Ulsan Whale Festival will also be held later this year, between the dates of September 26th - 29th 2024 , which will have a range of events from performances, special exhibits and culture and ecology specialist talks. You can find out more information on the link below: https://www.ulsanwhale.com/ I would definitely recommend heading to Ulsan for it's Whale watching season this year, as even though I did not see a whale myself, there was so much to do and the boat trip was amazing! Let us know in the comments below, if you will be heading to Ulsan. Don't forget to tag us in your photos! #whalewatching #ulsan #southkoreatrip #whalewatchingtour

Hold on to your popcorn everyone! We have a new winner in this year's Spring K-drama must-watch list! Coupang Play's new mystery/suspense/thriller Hide has us clutching our seats in anticipation! We break down what really surprised us in the latest episodes! Unwilling to back down and digging deeper into her missing husband's case, Na Moon Young ( Lee Bo Young ), is tough as nails in the latest episodes of Hide ! Surrounded by suspicious characters, Moon Young doesn't know who to trust as she dives deeper into whether her husband, Cha Sung Jae ( Lee Mu Saeng The Glory Part 2 2023), really committed suicide for the insurance payout or if is there something more! Spoilers! Cha Sung Jae is not really "dead" Not alarming anyone who has been paying attention to the story. Cha Sung Jae hasn't convinced many viewers that he is actually "dead". Earlier on at the end of episode 2, we see that he was the one who fired the rifle at Do Jin Woo ( Lee Min Jae Crash Course in Romance 2023) while he was on his way to meet Na Moon Young, therefore his appearance in episode 3 isn't exactly shocking. Followed up by his explanation of proving his innocence is something we're not quite sure of...yet. What really IS SHOCKING! In episode 3 there are some undertones that we weren't aware of, especially that of Cha Sung Jae's parents! We are given more insight into how exactly, Cha Sung Jae's father runs his law firm and his real intentions. What is even more shocking is when we find out that his mother, Park Myung Hee, has sent a decoy toothbrush to throw off the police's investigation of her missing son! How does she fit into the missing piece that is her son's disappearance, and why? And why does her husband seem to have no clue? Just when we thought this was it! There's more! Just when thought the story revealed most of its cards, we were thrown in a loop at the end of episode 4! Han Yeon Joo ( Lee Chung Ah Celebrity 2023), Na Moon Young's kind neighbor, takes off her mask and reveals her true self! Is she the mastermind behind everything? Could she be the one watching every move Na Moon Young makes? How could she have know that Cha Sung Jae wasn't dead? There are so many questions to ask that keeps our heads spinning! So what are your thoughts about Hide so far? Comment below with your theories on what will happen next! #Hide #LeeBoYoung   #LeeMusSaeng   #LeeMinJae   #CoupangPlay