South Korea is spending what is likely its last summer under the old dog-meat tradition before a nationwide ban takes full effect in 2027. On Aug. 14, the final day of the seasonal “Boknal” heat wave period, restaurants in a Seongnam food district served dog meat stew and black goat soup as they looked ahead to the industry’s end.
For generations, many Koreans have marked the hottest days of summer, known as Chobok, Jungbok and Malbok, by eating traditional stamina foods. But dog meat consumption has dropped sharply in recent years as pet ownership has grown and public concern over animal welfare has increased, especially among younger Koreans.
In 2024, South Korea’s National Assembly passed a special law banning the breeding, slaughter, distribution and sale of dogs for food. After a three-year grace period, the law will be fully enforced in 2027, forcing related businesses to shut down or convert to other trades. In that sense, this summer’s Boknal season is the last before the ban changes the industry for good.
The longtime and often controversial food tradition is now fading from South Korea’s public life as the government prepares transition support for farms and restaurants. What was once a common summer dish is heading toward history under legal pressure and changing social attitudes.
