In South Korea, the longstanding tradition of consuming dog meat is facing a significant transformation as a nationwide ban is set to take effect next year. This shift is eliciting mixed responses from vendors, consumers, and animal advocates alike.
Annie Ko, a 75-year-old musician, exemplifies the changing attitudes toward dog meat in the country. She rescued her Labrador, DeeJay, from a dog meat farm in 2015. Now 11 years old, DeeJay is described by Ko as affectionate and energetic, with only a lingering fear of clanging metal—a reminder of his previous life. Ko, who once tried dog meat stew out of curiosity, no longer sees any reason to eat it and considers adopting DeeJay one of her best life decisions.
Historically, dog meat consumption in South Korea dates back to at least the Joseon Dynasty, with references found in the 17th-century medical text Donguibogam. The dish, known locally as boshintang, was traditionally consumed during the hottest days of summer—boknal—as it was believed to restore stamina and vitality.
Despite its deep roots, dog meat has gradually fallen out of favour in South Korea, as more citizens view dogs as companion animals rather than livestock. According to vendors in Seoul’s remaining dog meat markets, prices have surged sharply ahead of the ban. One seller at Gyeongdong Market reported prices tripling from about 20,000 won per kilogram in 2024 to 60,000 won currently.
Restaurant owners specializing in dog meat stew are expressing concern about the impact of the upcoming ban. Lee Deok-sung, who has operated a dog meat stew restaurant near Dongdaemun Market for 45 years, described the summer as a poor season for business. She noted that she must sell all her stock by dinner each day just to break even and has raised prices from 16,000 won to 25,000 won per bowl. Lee voiced uncertainty about her future once the ban is enforced.
Similarly, Lee Kyung-ja, who runs another longtime boshintang restaurant nearby, reported sluggish patronage despite offering black goat stew as an alternative dish. Black goat meat is viewed as a substitute because of its comparable texture and distinctive gamy flavor. However, this alternative has yet to gain traction with customers, some of whom prefer dog meat for its taste and purported health benefits as recommended by traditional Korean medicine practitioners.
While South Korea moves toward outlawing the dog meat trade, this practice persists in several other parts of Asia, including North Korea, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, implemented a ban on the sale and consumption of dog meat in November 2025 as part of efforts to combat rabies. Meanwhile, North Korea’s state newspaper recently promoted dog meat stew as a nutritious dish suitable for summer, underscoring the divergent attitudes toward the practice within the region.
As South Korea transitions away from its dog meat tradition, the evolving perspectives reflect broader changes within the society regarding animal welfare and cultural practices. However, the economic and cultural adjustments pose challenges for those whose livelihoods have been tied to the dog meat industry for decades.