Jindo Dog Theme Park: A Walk Timed for the Dogs' Running Sessions

Background of how Natural Monument No. 53 in 1962 became a park in 2013

Jindo Dog Theme Park is not simply a kennel for viewing dogs, but a space that connects the Jindo dogs protected and fostered by Jindo-gun with exhibition and education. The Jindo dog was designated as Natural Monument No. 53 on December 3, 1962, and in 1967, the Korea Jindo Dog Protection and Cultivation Act and the Protection Measures Committee were established. Subsequently, in 2002, the management foundation was organized as the Jindo-gun Jindo Dog Livestock Office equipped with breeding grounds, training grounds, and medical rooms.

According to Jindo-gun data, the theme park opened in September 2013 and consists of Jindori House, Jindori Playground, Mini Animal Farm, Eoul Madang, Athlete's Village, Promotion Hall, and a Sledding Slope. On April 23, 1993, the official name was changed from 'Jindo Dog of Jindo' (Jindogyeon) to 'Jindo Dog of Jindo' (Jindogae), and on March 9, 1995, it received FCI World Famous Dog certification. Therefore, the on-site notation is more often written as 'Jindogae' rather than 'Jindotgae'.

Sequence for not missing Dog Sports within 09:00~18:00

The theme park operates year-round from 09:00 to 18:00. The Jindo Dog Promotion Hall is open from 09:00 to 17:00 and is closed on the day of traditional holidays. Admission is free. The main inquiry number is the Jindo Dog Livestock Department at 061-540-6308, and 061-540-6317 is also provided as a program inquiry number.

Weekday Dog Sports are held from Monday to Friday at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM (15:00) for 15 minutes each, with two trainers participating in the interaction and agility programs. Weekend Dog Sports are guided to be from 11:00 to 11:40 on Saturdays and Sundays, so if it is your first visit, it is safer to arrive near Eoul Madang 15 to 20 minutes before the start. Weekday programs do not run during traditional holidays.

• 09:00~10:00: Visit Jindori House and the playground first
• 10:00 or 15:00: Watch the 15-minute Weekday Dog Sports
• 11:00~11:40: Watch the Saturday/Sunday Weekend Dog Sports
• Before 17:00: Complete viewing of the Promotion Hall video data room

60–90 minutes to tie Jindori House, Playground, and Promotion Hall into one loop

Jindori House is where Jindo dogs, including therapy dogs and training dogs, live, and Jindori Playground is introduced as an experiential space for interacting with Jindo dogs. In the Jindo Dog Promotion Hall, you can see the history and characteristics of the Jindo dog, as well as video materials. Viewing the three facilities in order allows you to connect the breed's lifestyle, training scenes, and the history of institutional protection in a single flow.

Official guides also include a children's playground and a mini animal farm as basic viewing facilities. The mini animal farm features rabbits, meerkats, chinchillas, pigeons, silkie chickens, pheasants, peacocks, and golden pheasants, allowing for a family-oriented itinerary even when it is not time for Dog Sports. However, since the Promotion Hall closes at 17:00, if you arrive late in the afternoon, it is better to visit the Promotion Hall before the outdoor facilities.

March–December, 14:00 Sledding Slope for ages 5–15 only

The theme park sledding slope operates from March to December, and according to the 2025 operation guide, the hours of use are 14:00–15:00. The target audience is clearly stated as being from 5 years old to 15 years old, so it should not be planned as a facility where an adult companion can ride instead. As it is a seasonally operated facility, reconfirmation by phone is necessary for winter visits or rainy weather.

The sledding slope and Dog Sports each have short operating hours. On weekdays, if you plan a schedule in the order of 10:00 Dog Sports, 14:00–15:00 Sledding Slope, and 15:00 Dog Sports, you can spread out your time from the 09:00 opening until the afternoon. Conversely, if your goal is only viewing the Jindo dogs and the Promotion Hall, 60–90 minutes is sufficient; if you include the weekday programs and the sledding slope, it is more realistic to set aside about 3–5 hours.

35 Seongjukgol-gil, a reference point when approaching by vehicle from Jindo-eup

The address in the official tourism and culture guide is 35, Seongjukgol-gil, Jindo-eup, Jindo-gun, Jeonnam, and the on-site inquiry phone number is 061-540-6308. Some old tourism data labels it as 30 Seongjukgol-gil, but the location notation in Jindo-gun announcements for 2025 and 2026 is 35 Seongjukgol-gil. Setting navigation searches to 'Jindo Dog Theme Park' or '35 Seongjukgol-gil' reduces confusion.

A dedicated parking lot is introduced as available, and unofficial information confirms the operation of three free parking lots. However, as the number of parking spaces and daily control status are not confirmed through official fixed information, it is safer to ask at 061-540-6308 on event days. Due to Jindo-gun's characteristic of having no railway station, an itinerary utilizing a taxi, rental car, or private car after arriving at the Jindo Public Terminal is practical; confirmed bus routes and stop information to the site have not been verified.

• Road Name Address: 35, Seongjukgol-gil, Jindo-eup, Jindo-gun, Jeonnam
• Main Phone: 061-540-6308
• Program Inquiry: 061-540-6317
• Admission: Free
• Parking: On-site parking is available, but calling ahead to check fees and the number of spaces is recommended

Site of the festival and 30th Selection Contest on May 2–3, 2026

On May 2 and 3, 2026, the '2026 Jindo Dog Festival' and the 30th Superior Jindo Dog Selection Contest were held here. Events such as agility races, interaction programs, and selection contests, which highlight the Jindo dog's working ability and breed management, clearly demonstrate the character of this space. Since the following year's event schedule is not fixed information, you must check Jindo-gun announcements if planning a spring trip.

In 2026, a project to create a bonsai garden on 1,200㎡ of idle land in the theme park was also promoted. This is an example of Jindo-gun expanding its operational scope by not limiting park resources to Jindo dog viewing but also supplementing with walking and green spaces. On days when events are held, general viewing routes, parking, and program times may change, so it is best not to apply the weekday 10:00/15:00 program timetable as is.

Connecting the south of Jindo-eup with Cheolma Park (1.4km) and Ullim Sanbang (3.3km)

Nearby information indicates Cheolma Park is about 1.4km away, Jindo Hyanggyo about 1.8km, Ullim Forest Bathing Area about 1.9km, Ullim Sambyeolcho Park about 2.4km, and Ullim Sanbang about 3.3km. For a short Jindo-eup itinerary, a composition that involves watching Dog Sports in the morning and then connecting to Ullim Sanbang and Ullim Sambyeolcho Park by vehicle is appropriate. Since walking time varies depending on the road and weather, it is better to assume vehicle travel, especially to Ullim Sanbang.

Ullim Sanbang is known as the workspace built in 1857 by Sochi Heo Ryeon, a Southern School painter, allowing visitors to compare the protection history of the Jindo dog and Jindo's painting heritage on the same day. On the other hand, since Jindo Dog Theme Park centers on animal contact and outdoor movement, a short visit focused on the Promotion Hall is more suitable for people with animal allergies or those uncomfortable in spaces close to dogs. Stroller rental is guided as not being provided.