South Korea to Ban Dog Meat Trade by 2027, Impacting Traditional Practices
South Korea is set to implement a ban on the breeding, slaughter, and sale of dogs for meat by February 2027. This decision follows the passing of landmark legislation in January 2024, which provided a three-year grace period for dog meat farms to cease operations. As of May 2026, over 80% of the country's 1,500 known dog meat farms have already closed. The government is offering compensation to farmers, along with low-interest loans and job-transition assistance, to encourage compliance with the ban. The consumption of dog meat has historical roots in South Korea, linked to traditional medicine and periods of poverty. However, societal attitudes have shifted, with dogs increasingly seen as companion animals rather than livestock. 
