A Viral Discovery That Captivated Animal Lovers Worldwide
A golden retriever named Maru has captured the hearts of internet users after appearing in more than 1,000 KakaoMap Street View images on the small island of Jukdo, South Korea. His cheerful face popping up across nearly every snapshot has turned him into a viral icon, and a beloved symbol of the island’s charm.
The Friendly Retriever Who Became Jukdo’s “Unofficial Guide Dog”
Maru wasn’t just wandering the island; he was known locally as the “unofficial guide dog,” happily escorting visitors around Jukdo’s scenic cliffs, waterfront paths, and grassy fields. When KakaoMap’s photography team visited, Maru reportedly trailed the mapping car throughout its journey, leaving behind a digital legacy of over a thousand appearances.
A Tiny Island Made Famous by a Big Personality
Jukdo, located near Ulleungdo in the Sea of Japan, measures only 0.456 miles long and 0.3 miles wide. Despite its tiny size and a small population, just three residents in 2004, the island gained global attention thanks to Maru’s heartwarming presence captured in Street View imagery.
A short 20-minute ferry ride brings visitors to Jukdo, but many soon found that Maru was the island’s true highlight.
How the Internet Discovered a Legend
The viral moment began when a Reddit user noticed the same golden retriever appearing repeatedly in KakaoMap’s images.
“This dog followed the Google Earth guy,” they joked, sharing screenshots that quickly gained traction.
Other users confirmed that Maru was well-known to locals and tourists alike.
“He’s super friendly,” one person wrote. “He guides visitors around the island.”
Another user pointed out a similar story about Mingki, a tourist-guiding dog on another Korean island, part of a heartwarming trend of “unofficial canine tour guides” across the country.
Visitors Came for the Views but Stayed for Maru
Tourists originally traveled to Jukdo for its natural beauty, but it was Maru who often left the biggest impression.
“She naturally loves everyone and everything”, a visitor shared. “Especially walks with complete strangers.”
His gentle, enthusiastic companionship turned simple sightseeing into an unforgettable experience.
The Dog Who Made People Wish Google Maps Came With a Golden Retriever
Maru’s appearances sparked a wave of charming online commentary.
“I only want Google to direct me via golden retriever now”, one user said.
Another added, “Street View would be way cooler if this good girl was in every shot.”
Many wished they could follow Maru’s path through Jukdo, both virtually and in real life.
A Heartwarming Story With a Bittersweet Ending
As Maru’s story resurfaced online, some users reflected on the passing of time. One commenter noted that the now-viral images were from seven years earlier and posted, “In memory of Maru”, suggesting that the island’s beloved canine guide may have since passed away.
Though Maru may no longer be on Jukdo’s paths, his joyful spirit lives on through the thousands of Street View images capturing his loyalty, curiosity, and charm.
