General
South Korea Sees Final Surge in Dog Meat Consumption Ahead of 2027 Ban
As South Korea prepares for a nationwide ban on dog meat in February 2027, restaurants have reported a brief increase in customers seeking traditional dishes during the final 'Boknal' summer period.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, South Korean restaurants specializing in dog meat experienced a temporary rise in patronage during the final 'Boknal'—the three hottest days of the summer—before a new law takes full effect. Starting in February 2027, the South Korean government will strictly prohibit the breeding, slaughtering, and sale of dogs for human consumption nationwide.
At the Moran Market in Seongnam, once a prominent hub for the dog meat trade, some diners visited to consume traditional 'Bosintang' (dog meat stew) one last time. However, the report notes that many vendors have already transitioned their businesses to offer alternative dishes, such as black goat stew, reflecting the shifting cultural and legal landscape. The remaining customers seeking dog meat were primarily reported to be elderly individuals.
For travelers or residents in South Korea, this transition marks a significant cultural shift. While the practice is currently legal until the 2027 deadline, the industry is clearly winding down. It remains to be confirmed how strictly the enforcement will be applied across smaller, non-commercial settings once the law is fully enacted. Visitors should be aware that while these dishes may still be found in specific locations, the availability of dog meat is rapidly declining as the country moves toward the total ban.