The Last Farewell: South Korea Bids Adieu to Dog Meat Dishes Before Total Ban

Every country has its own customs and traditions, but the winds of social change are blowing strongly through South Korea, as the nation witnesses the final chapters of a decades-old practice. For many years, Koreans were accustomed to visiting restaurants during the hottest summer days to consume dog meat dishes, believing they provided energy and helped the body endure the sweltering heat.

The End of the “Boknal” Era in South Korea

This Friday marks the third and final day of what is locally known as the «Boknal» season for 2026, the last season before the official implementation of the comprehensive ban on the breeding, slaughtering, and sale of dog meat, scheduled for early February 2027. At the famous «Moran» market in the city of Seongnam, which has long been a central hub for this meat trade, the scene looks entirely different from what we have seen in the past.

From Dog Meat to Plant-Based and Goat Alternatives

Despite some activity during lunch hour, the general scene reflects a radical shift; the majority of shops have replaced the «Bosintang» (dog meat stew) dish with alternatives such as black goat stew. As for the traditional dog meat dish, it no longer appeals to anyone but a very narrow and limited segment of customers, mostly the elderly.

Cultural Transformation and Growing Awareness of Animal Welfare

Witnessing this transition, Kim Yong-bok, head of the market merchants’ association, who has spent over four decades in the profession near Seoul, says with visible regret that the place has become deserted and lost its usual vitality, transforming into something resembling a town for the elderly. There is no doubt that this rapid decline in the dog meat trade reflects a radical change in Korean societal culture, driven by a record rise in pet ownership and a notable growth in an animal welfare culture that categorically rejects these practices.