The short answer is: hardly anyone. If you walked into a trendy cafe in Seoul’s Gangnam district today and asked someone where to find dog meat, they’d probably look at you like you had three heads. Honestly, the stereotype that "Korean people eat dogs" is one of those lingering cultural tropes that feels stuck in the 1980s. While it’s technically true that dog meat, known as gaegogi, was part of the traditional diet for centuries, the reality on the ground in 2026 is radically different.
In early 2024, the South Korean National Assembly passed a historic, landmark bill. It officially banned the breeding, slaughter, and sale of dogs for human consumption. This wasn't just some symbolic gesture. It was a massive legislative shift backed by President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee, who is a well-known animal lover. The law provides a three-year grace period, meaning by 2027, the entire industry must be shuttered.
So, do Korean people eat dogs? Mostly, no. The practice is dying out so fast it’s practically a ghost of a tradition.
The Cultural Shift and the 2024 Ban
For years, this was a gray area. Dog meat wasn't exactly legal, but it wasn't illegal either. It existed in a weird regulatory vacuum. Farmers raised "nureongi" (yellow dogs) specifically for food, while pet ownership was exploding in the cities. That tension eventually reached a breaking point.
The 2024 ban was passed with rare bipartisan support. It’s a big deal. Under the new law, anyone slaughtering a dog for food can face up to three years in prison or a massive fine of 30 million won (about $23,000). Selling dog meat or breeding dogs for consumption can land you two years behind bars.
But why did it take so long?
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Culture doesn't change overnight. For the older generation, bosintang (dog meat soup) was seen as a health tonic. They believed it helped you survive the "dog days" of summer—the three hottest days of the lunar calendar known as Sambok. They thought it improved stamina and helped with recovery from illness.
Younger Koreans? They don't buy it. To a 20-something in Seoul, a dog is a "fur baby," not a food source. Data from the Humane Society International (HSI) and local Korean pollsters like Gallup Korea consistently show that over 90% of South Koreans have no intention of eating dog meat. Most have never even tried it.
Who Was Actually Eating It?
The demographic is incredibly specific. We’re talking about a dwindling group of elderly men. Most of the remaining dog meat restaurants in Seoul have been closing their doors for years, not because of the law, but because they simply don't have customers. When the demand drops to zero, the business dies.
There’s also a huge distinction in Korea between "pet dogs" and "meat dogs." It sounds harsh to Western ears, but that was the traditional justification. However, as more Koreans began living with Maltese, Poodles, and Jin-dos in their apartments, that mental wall collapsed. You can't love your pet at home and then go out for a bowl of bosintang without feeling a massive sense of cognitive dissonance.
The Role of Animal Rights Activists
Groups like CARE, Aware, and international organizations like HSI Korea played a massive role in this transition. They didn't just protest; they worked on "transition programs." These programs help dog farmers switch to other livelihoods, like growing green onions or water parsley.
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One of the most vocal advocates was First Lady Kim Keon Hee. Her public stance on the issue was a major catalyst. It’s rare for a political figure to take such a hard line on a "traditional" practice, but her influence helped push the Special Act through the assembly.
What About North Korea?
It’s a different story across the DMZ. In North Korea, dog meat is still promoted by the state. During food shortages, it’s often touted as a "sweet meat" (dangogi). While we have less data on the North, defectors often report that it remains a luxury item or a seasonal specialty in Pyongyang.
But in the South? The stigma is now so heavy that even if you wanted to find it, you’d have to hunt through back alleys of traditional markets like Moran Market in Seongnam—and even there, most of the dog cages are gone.
The Economic Impact of the Ban
Ending an industry isn't free. There are roughly 1,100 dog farms in South Korea and about 1,600 restaurants that still serve it. The government has had to set aside significant funds to compensate these business owners.
It’s a messy process. Farmers are demanding higher compensation per dog, arguing that their livelihoods are being stripped away. The government, meanwhile, is trying to balance empathy for the farmers with the clear mandate from the public to end the practice.
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The transition period—ending in 2027—is designed to prevent a black market from forming. By giving farmers a way out, the state hopes to dismantle the infrastructure of the trade permanently.
A New Era for Korea
South Korea is obsessed with its global image. From K-pop to K-dramas to Samsung, the country is a cultural and technological powerhouse. The "dog-eating" label was a constant source of national embarrassment on the international stage.
During the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the government actually hid dog meat restaurants so foreign visitors wouldn't see them. By the time the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics rolled around, the pressure to shut them down was even higher.
Today, Korea is a world leader in "pet-friendly" culture. You’ll see pet strollers in parks, high-end dog boutiques, and even "doggy spas." The shift from consuming dogs to pampering them is one of the fastest cultural U-turns in modern history.
What You Should Know if You Visit
If you’re traveling to Korea, you don't need to worry about accidentally eating dog meat. It’s not "hidden" in other dishes. It’s an expensive, specialty item that you would have to go out of your way to find.
- Look for the names: Traditional dog soup is called bosintang, yeongyangtang, or sachultang.
- Most meat is pork or beef: Standard Korean BBQ (korean bbq) uses pork belly (samgyeopsal) or marinated beef (bulgogi).
- The Law: Remember, as of 2024, the industry is officially on its deathbed. By 2027, it will be completely illegal to sell.
The conversation has moved on. Koreans are much more interested in talking about the latest Netflix hit or where to find the best croffles (croissant-waffles) than they are about ancient dietary habits.
Actionable Insights for the Culturally Curious
- Respect the transition: Understand that for some older Koreans, this was a cultural staple tied to poverty and survival post-Korean War. It’s a sensitive topic that touches on sovereignty and Western influence.
- Support local shelters: If you want to help, look into groups like KDS (Korean Dogs Sanctuary) or HSI Korea. They are doing the heavy lifting of rescuing dogs from closing farms.
- Education over judgment: When discussing this with locals, focus on the progress made. The 2024 ban is a monumental achievement that reflects the will of the Korean people.
- Explore the food scene: Focus on the incredible variety of modern Korean cuisine. From spicy rice cakes (tteokbokki) to fried chicken, the culinary landscape is vast and 99.9% dog-free.
The reality is that "do Korean people eat dogs" is a question with a "no" that gets louder every single day. The country has chosen a future where dogs are companions, not calories. In just a few more years, the practice won't just be rare—it will be a matter for the history books.