When Jon, my wonderful husband and master trip planner, decided it was time for a family getaway to Suncheon, I was ecstatic. I couldn't wait to explore the city's lush gardens and national parks. But there was just one slight hitch—our fur babies, Jada and Blizzard. Most national parks in South Korea have a strict no-dogs-allowed policy. What would a vacation be without our four-legged family members?
So, the quest began: find a dog-friendly place that also appealed to our human senses. After a bit of searching, we hit the jackpot—Dog & Tree Cafe.
A Cafe with a Twist
Located at 318-2 Sindae-ri, Haeryong-myeon, Suncheon-si, in South Korea, Dog & Tree Cafe is not your typical coffee spot. This establishment offers the best of both worlds—a fully functional cafe and a dog park. The first thing we noticed was the large, fenced-in area designed for dogs to run and play. The place even offers grooming services and pool time for dogs, although we opted to let Jada and Blizzard simply enjoy the fenced-in area this time around.
Gelato for All
While the dogs sprinted about, tongues flapping and tails wagging, the rest of us humanfolk headed to the counter. Lo and behold, they had Blueberry Gelato, my all-time favorite ice cream flavor. I wasted no time ordering a generous scoop. Jon opted for Vanilla Gelato, while Russell, always the chocoholic, chose Chocolate Gelato along with a Hot Chocolate.
Relaxation Meets Recreation
After grabbing our frozen treats, we settled at one of the open-air tables overlooking the fenced area where Jada and Blizzard were having the time of their lives. It was so gratifying to watch them frolic while we indulged in creamy, delicious gelato. It felt like an idyllic family outing, perfectly blending relaxation for the adults with recreational fun for the dogs—and Russell, of course.
The Details Make The Difference
What really made the experience stand out were the small touches. For instance, the cafe provided biodegradable bowls for the dogs to drink water from. The staff were attentive, frequently coming by to ask if we needed anything and if our dogs were enjoying themselves. Although we didn't take advantage of the grooming or pool options, it was comforting to know those services were available.
A One-of-a-Kind Experience
This cafe provided a unique experience that perfectly embodied our family philosophy—making the most of life through shared experiences and laughter. It's not often you find a place that caters so well to both dogs and humans. We could enjoy gelato (and sip hot chocolate for Russell) while Jada and Blizzard could dash around freely in a secure environment.
The Future Beckons
While our scratch-off map of South Korea doesn't have a section for dog-friendly cafes, if it did, we'd have scratched off Dog & Tree Cafe with gusto. And who knows? Maybe in the future, we'll make another trip to Suncheon—this time, possibly letting the dogs indulge in a spa day. After all, everyone deserves a little pampering now and then, don't they?
So here's to more family trips, planned to perfection by Jon, and the many more places we aim to scratch off our bucket list. South Korea has much to offer, and we’re just scratching the surface.
Thank you, Dog & Tree Cafe, for making our Suncheon trip a memorable one. Until next time!
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