The ban on breeding, slaughtering, distributing, and selling dogs for meat in South Korea will take full effect in February 2027, forcing thousands of farms, distribution facilities, and restaurants to close or transition to alternative livelihoods.
Transformation of the dog meat industry in South Korea
Roadmap for enforcing the dog meat ban
The summer of 2026 marks the final legal business season for South Korea's dog meat industry before the nationwide ban takes effect. For decades, the three hottest days of summer, known as boknal, were a peak period for dog meat consumption due to the belief that this dish helps restore physical stamina.
At Moran Market in Seongnam City, one of South Korea's most famous dog meat trading hubs, trading activities have markedly declined. Many restaurants have switched to serving black goat soup and alternative dishes, while most remaining dog meat consumers belong to the elderly demographic.
The shift at Moran reflects the decline of a long-standing farming industry. According to South Korean government data, over 5,600 production and business establishments are directly impacted by the new law. Most dog meat farms had already shut down ahead of the February 2027 deadline. Passed by the South Korean National Assembly in January 2024, the law bans the breeding, slaughtering, distribution, and sale of dogs for food. Businesses have been granted a three-year transition period, after which violators may face imprisonment or financial penalties.
The government has pledged to support livestock farmers, slaughterhouses, distributors, and restaurant owners in transitioning to other professions. However, the transition faces many challenges as most business owners are elderly, long-established, and lack the resources to build new business models. Switching to raising, processing, and trading black goat meat is becoming a popular option. This food is also promoted as a nourishing dish during summer. Nevertheless, small traders report that goat meat revenue cannot yet fully offset the lost income from dog meat.
Market demand also dropped rapidly as pet dog ownership grew and attitudes toward animal welfare shifted. In a survey of 2,000 people released before the law was passed, over 90% said they had no intention of eating dog meat in the future, over 80% supported the ban, and nearly 95% had not consumed dog meat in the preceding year.
Ending the dog meat industry not only changes consumption habits but also calls for reorganizing farming activities, managing animal populations, and supporting livelihoods for thousands of business households. The effectiveness of the transition policy will determine the stability of communities that once depended on this supply chain.
Source: VOAA
← Activity News