South Korea’s historic ban on the breeding, slaughter, and sale of dogs for consumption is set to take full effect in February 2027, forcing the nation’s remaining dog meat restaurants and farms into their final operational months. Passed by the National Assembly in January 2024, the landmark legislation introduced a three-year grace period to allow commercial operators time to transition out of the industry.
As the final “dog days” of summer—known locally as boknal—arrive, data from South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs indicates that more than 80 percent of the country’s estimated 1,500 dog meat farms have already closed, leaving fewer than 300 active operations. According to restaurant owners and meat vendors interviewed by The Straits Times, commercial activity has dwindled to roughly a third of historical levels as shifting cultural attitudes increasingly view dogs as household companions rather than livestock.
Government Transition Support and Farm Closures
To facilitate the phase-out ahead of the February 2027 deadline, the South Korean government launched a financial compensation and support package for agricultural operators. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, authorities are offering up to 600,000 won (approximately S$545) per dog in compensation to farmers who cease operations early.
Additional incentives include low-interest loans, job-transition assistance, and re-employment counseling designed to help farmers move into alternative agricultural sectors. While the majority of known dog meat farms have shuttered their doors since the 2024 legislation passed, the remaining facilities face strict enforcement once the grace period officially expires.
Fading Market Demand and Rising Prices
In urban commercial hubs like Seoul’s Gyeongdong Market, one of the few remaining districts where dog meat is still openly traded, prices have surged due to shrinking supply. A local meat vendor told The Straits Times that market prices tripled from roughly 20,000 won per kilogram in 2024 to 60,000 won.
Traditional dishes such as boshintang—a dog meat stew historically consumed during the hottest days of summer to combat fatigue—have similarly seen steep price hikes. Lee Deok-sung, who has operated a dog meat restaurant near Seoul’s Dongdaemun Market for 45 years, reported that summer business has dropped significantly. Lee noted that bowls have increased in price from 16,000 won to 25,000 won to offset rising wholesale costs, leaving operators struggling to break even before the upcoming prohibition.
Rescue Efforts and Domestic Adoption
Alongside the legislative ban, animal welfare organizations have scaled up operations to rescue animals from remaining farms and secure permanent homes. Non-profit groups like Humane World for Animals have successfully rescued approximately 2,800 dogs from cramped breeding facilities, coordinating international adoptions across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
While many rescued animals find homes overseas, local adoptions have also taken root. Musician Annie Ko adopted her Labrador, DeeJay, in 2015 after volunteering as an interpreter for rescue operations at a farm in Wonju. DeeJay remains one of the few rescued dogs from his litter to stay in South Korea, serving as a visible reminder of the country’s changing relationship with domestic animals as the commercial trade draws to a close.
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