When will dog meat be banned in South Korea?

Dog meat will be fully banned starting February 2025, including breeding, slaughter, and sale.

Why is South Korea banning dog meat now?

Due to declining consumption, rising animal welfare concerns, and strong public support for the ban.

What’s happening to dog meat businesses now?

Over 5,600 operators are affected; most farms and restaurants have closed or pivoted.

Do elderly people still eat dog meat?

Some older customers still consume it, but they represent a shrinking minority.

What are people eating instead of dog meat?

Alternatives include black goat soup, ginseng chicken, and herbal tonics for summer health.

End of an Era: South Korea Bans Dog Meat, Full Prohibition on Breeding and Sales from February Next Year

Published Aug 14, 2026 9:45 PM ・ Updated Aug 14, 2026 10:20 PM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: PR Times

The tradition of eating dog meat during the hottest days of summer, known as 'Sambok', is coming to an end in South Korea, as the country prepares to fully ban the breeding, slaughter, and sale of dogs for human consumption starting February 2025.

For decades, the hottest period of summer known as 'Sambok' has been one of the busiest times for dog meat restaurants in South Korea, where diners traditionally seek out nourishing dishes to endure the sweltering heat.

According to Reuters, today marks 'Malbok', the final phase of the three 'Bok' days, symbolizing the end of the scorching season. This is the last legally permissible Sambok during which dog meat can be consumed before the nationwide ban takes effect.

Starting February 2025, South Korea will completely prohibit the breeding, slaughter, and sale of dogs for human consumption.

In Seongnam's Moran Market, once the country's most famous dog meat hub, alleyway restaurants are seeing lunchtime crowds.

However, many vendors have switched to serving other dishes such as black goat soup, and the majority of customers ordering 'Boseongtang' (dog meat soup) are elderly.

Kim Yong-book (Kim Yong-book, transliteration), head of the Moran Market Merchants Association, said, 'Business is really bleak now.' He described the area near Seoul, once thriving, as having turned into a 'town for the elderly'.

A survey released before the 2024 legislation showed that over 90% of 2,000 respondents had no intention of eating dog meat in the future, with over 80% supporting the ban. Nearly 95% said they had not eaten dog meat in the past year.

Government data indicates that more than 5,600 businesses are affected by this law. Officials say most dog farms have already closed ahead of the final deadline next year.

Yoo Jin-sam (Yoo Jin-sam, transliteration), who enjoyed dog meat soup today, said he has been eating the dish since his twenties.

'I'm really disappointed,' he said. 'People keep coming back to this dish because they believe it strengthens the body, yet now it's being banned.'

Now 69 years old, Yoo says he accepts the government's decision but will 'miss' dog meat.

'I love dogs too. But it's still regrettable. If I get another chance, I'd still want to eat it again.'

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Source: PR Times
Category: News

End of an Era: South Korea Bans Dog Meat, Full Prohibition on Breeding and Sales from February Next Year

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