# South Korea dog meat trade ban

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korea-dog-meat-trade-ban
> Updated: 2026-08-17T05:14:14.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 3.

South Korea is entering its final summer of legal dog meat consumption ahead of a nationwide ban scheduled to take full effect on February 7, 2027. The legislation, passed by Parliament in January 2024, prohibits the breeding, slaughter, distribution, and sale of dogs for human consumption. The law includes a three-year grace period to facilitate industry transition, after which violators may face fines or imprisonment.

The industry has experienced a significant contraction. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs indicates that approximately 82 percent of registered dog farms have closed, with active farms decreasing from 1,537 to 272 as of May 2026. The law affects more than 5,600 businesses, including farms, slaughterhouses, distributors, and restaurants.

Traditional markets, such as Moran Market in Seongnam and Chilsung Market in Daegu, have seen increased activity during recent traditional summer heat days, known as ‘boknal’. However, the industry remains in decline, with remaining establishments primarily serving elderly customers who consume dishes like ‘bosintang’ (dog meat stew) for perceived health benefits. As the 2027 deadline approaches, many citizens are visiting restaurants to consume these traditional dishes for the final time during summer heat waves.

Cultural shifts, driven by increased pet ownership and heightened animal rights awareness, have heavily influenced this decline. A 2024 survey showed over 90% of respondents had no intention of eating dog meat in the future, and over 80% supported the ban. While the government has offered subsidies for farmers and restaurant owners to transition to other businesses, some operators argue the financial support is insufficient. In response to the declining market, many vendors, particularly in hubs like Moran Market, have already pivoted to alternative menu items such as black goat stew to adapt to changing social attitudes.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: South Korea prepares for nationwide dog meat ban in 2027

South Korea prepares for a February 2027 ban on the breeding, sale, and consumption of dog meat, affecting over 5,600 businesses as culinary traditions shift.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-prepares-for-nationwide-dog-meat-ban-in-2027

### 2026-08-14: South Korea prepares for 2027 ban on dog meat consumption

South Korea is facing its final summer of legal dog meat sales before a nationwide ban on breeding, slaughter, and sale takes full effect in February 2027.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-approaches-final-phase-of-nationwide-dog-meat-ban

### 2026-08-11: South Korea to ban dog meat trade by February 2027

South Korea will implement a nationwide ban on the breeding, slaughter, and sale of dog meat in February 2027, as changing social attitudes and rising pet ownership drive the industry toward closure.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-dog-meat-industry-nears-end-ahead-of-2027-ban

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Cite as: South Korea dog meat trade ban. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korea-dog-meat-trade-ban