In South Korea, some savour last season of legal dog meat
Summary
South Korea’s final summer heat wave before a nationwide dog meat ban takes full effect has drawn elderly diners to the last remaining restaurants serving bosintang. Businesses in Seongnam’s Moran Market are shifting to alternatives as the trade winds down under new animal welfare laws.
Key Points
- South Korea’s nationwide ban on breeding, slaughtering and selling dogs for meat will take full effect in February 2027.
- Moran Market in Seongnam, once a major dog meat hub, is now seeing fewer customers and many restaurants switching to black goat stew and other dishes.
- The ban followed a 2024 law passed by parliament after years of declining dog meat consumption and growing concern for animal welfare.
- Restaurant owners and elderly customers expressed mixed feelings, with some mourning the end of a long-standing food tradition.
