South Korea to ban dog meat trade by February 2027

South Korea is preparing for a nationwide ban on the breeding, slaughter, and sale of dogs for meat, which is set to take full effect in February 2027. The legislation, passed by Parliament in January 2024, follows shifting public attitudes toward animal welfare and rising pet ownership.

Government data indicates that the industry is already in decline, with approximately 82% of dog farms having closed ahead of the deadline. More than 5,600 businesses are expected to be affected by the law. In traditional hubs like the Moran Market, many restaurants have already transitioned to alternative offerings such as black goat stew.

Recent summer heatwaves, specifically the traditional 'boknal' days, marked one of the final seasons for legal dog meat consumption. While some elderly diners still seek 'bosintang' (dog meat stew) for stamina, a survey conducted prior to the law's passage showed that over 90% of respondents had no intention of eating dog meat in the future.