South Korea to ban dog meat trade nationwide by February 2027

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea is preparing to end centuries of dog meat consumption, with a nationwide ban on the trade and consumption of dog meat set to take effect in February 2027. The shift follows a 2024 law approved by the South Korean Parliament that outlawed the feeding, slaughter, distribution and sale of dog meat, while giving businesses in the sector a three-year transition period. The law affects more than 5,000 farms, restaurants and shops across the country. Many dog farms have already shut down before the deadline. In Seongnam, near the capital Seoul, the Moran market, once one of the country's most recognized centers for dog meat, has seen activity decline sharply as of summer 2026, with most shops and restaurants closing or shifting to alternative menus such as black goat stew. Surveys indicate that more than 90 percent of South Koreans say they do not intend to consume dog meat in the future, reflecting changing attitudes and a growing awareness of animal welfare. Despite broad public support, the ban has stirred nostalgic sentiment among some older South Koreans who view the practice as a long-standing tradition. No further details on enforcement arrangements were immediately available.