South Korea's Dog Meat Trade Nears End as Market Faces Closure

South Korea's long-standing dog meat trade is on the brink of extinction with a nationwide ban set to take effect in early 2027. The Moran Livestock Market in Seongnam, once the country's largest hub for dog meat, has already seen significant changes, with butchering facilities dismantled and the area rebranded. Despite a dwindling customer base and declining sales, a small number of vendors continue to offer dog meat, but their operations will soon cease entirely under the new legislation.

Key Takeaways

• A comprehensive ban on the dog meat trade in South Korea will be fully implemented in early 2027.
• Moran Livestock Market, a historic centre for dog meat sales, has undergone significant transformation and faces eventual closure of remaining dog meat vendors.
• The ban aims to align South Korea with modern societal views on animal welfare, where dogs are increasingly seen as pets.
• Financial support packages are in place for farmers and vendors to transition to other livelihoods, though challenges remain.
• Concerns persist regarding the welfare of dogs that cannot be rehomed or adopted before the ban takes full effect.

A Tradition on the Decline

For decades, Moran Livestock Market in Seongnam, south of Seoul, was a prominent site for the dog meat trade, with thousands of dogs sold annually for consumption. However, the landscape has dramatically shifted. Butchering facilities were removed years ago, and the market was rebranded to focus on black goat meat. While some vendors, like Kim Yong-bok, who has operated a dog meat restaurant for 30 years, still offer dishes like "bosintang" (dog meat soup), their business has significantly shrunk. Kim notes that daily sales have plummeted from around 100 kilograms to just 10 kilograms or less, with older Koreans forming the primary customer base.

The Road to a Ban

The impending ban, legislated in 2024, provides a three-year grace period for those involved in the trade to cease operations or find new employment. This move reflects a broader societal shift in South Korea, where polls indicate a significant majority oppose the consumption of dog meat, with only a small percentage admitting to having eaten it recently. The government has offered compensation to dog farmers who close their operations early, with payments varying based on the timing of their closure. However, the transition is not without its difficulties.

Challenges and Concerns

For many in the industry, the ban represents a loss of tradition and a struggle to adapt. Kim Yong-bok expresses frustration, stating, "In the end, you could say the animal groups won." He believes the practice is part of Korean heritage, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Beyond the economic impact on vendors, there are concerns about the fate of the dogs themselves. While the government aims to rehome up to half a million dogs, animal welfare groups worry about those left behind. Chae Il-taek of the Korean Animal Welfare Association highlights the need for clear guidelines and budgets to ensure humane treatment during the closure process, fearing that some dogs may be abandoned.

A Shifting Future

Despite the challenges, the trend is clear: the dog meat industry is fading. More than 70 per cent of dog farms have already closed, leaving approximately 500 still operating. For those remaining, transitioning to other livestock farming presents a significant financial hurdle, as it requires substantial investment in new facilities. The government has pledged to monitor the market closely to ensure compliance with the 2027 deadline, with any remaining dogs to be managed by animal shelters or kept on farms under supervision. As South Korea moves towards a future where canine companions are cherished pets, the era of the dog meat trade is definitively drawing to a close.

Key Takeaways

• The South Korean market where you can still buy dog meat, but not for long, The Sydney Morning Herald.