In South Korea, some savour last season of legal dog meat

South Korea observed the final days of legal dog meat consumption in 2026, as a nationwide ban on the breeding, slaughter, and sale of dogs for meat takes effect in February 2027. Moran Market in Seongnam, once a prominent hub for dog meat restaurants, saw dwindling crowds on the third "boknal", or hot day, of the year. Many business owners have transitioned to serving black goat stew, while the elderly remain the primary clientele for traditional dog meat stew, "bosintang".

Kim Yong-book, head of the Moran Market Merchants' Association, described the market as "desolate" due to the decline in dog meat consumption. A survey conducted just before the ban passed in 2024 showed that over 90% of respondents had no intention of eating dog meat in the future, and more than 80% supported the ban. Government data revealed that over 5,600 businesses were affected by the legislation, with most dog farms already closed ahead of the deadline.

The campaign to end the dog meat trade gained traction under the former president and his wife, an animal welfare advocate. Restaurant owner Lee Kang-chun, who has spent 37 years in the trade, expressed both relief at ending the practice and sadness at losing loyal customers, particularly the elderly who believe the dish restores their strength.

Despite the ban, some customers, like 69-year-old Yoo Jin-sam, expressed disappointment in its loss, stating that they would miss eating dog meat.