Animal Cafes in Korea: Sheep, Meerkat and Cat Cafes Etiquette and Rules

Types of animal cafes

Cat cafes remain the most common and widely recognized type in Korea, but the concept has expanded to include sheep cafes, meerkat cafes, and a range of other species-specific venues, each offering a distinct interactive experience with a particular animal. Some venues combine multiple animal types under one roof, while others specialize in just one.

General etiquette and rules

• Most animal cafes require hand sanitizing or washing before and sometimes after handling the animals.
• Loud noises, sudden movements, and picking up animals without staff guidance are generally discouraged across most venues.
• Food and drink for guests is typically kept separate from any feeding activities involving the animals, which staff usually supervise directly.

Animal welfare considerations

Animal welfare standards vary noticeably between venues, and some cafes have drawn criticism for keeping animals in conditions not well suited to their needs, particularly for less domesticated species like meerkats. Researching a specific cafe's reputation and visible animal care practices before visiting is a reasonable step for travelers who want to make a more informed choice about where to spend their time and money.

Entry fees at most animal cafes typically include a drink, similar to the pricing model used at board game cafes, making the overall cost reasonably predictable before you arrive. Checking recent visitor reviews for a specific cafe can offer a more current read on both the animal welfare conditions and the overall visitor experience than relying on general reputation alone.

Flash photography is typically prohibited across these cafes to avoid startling the animals, so switching your phone's camera settings beforehand is a good idea.