South Korea’s “boknal” hot-day season is marked by the last period in which dog meat is legal, with restaurants and markets seeing a decline in customers. On the third hot day of 2026, crowds still fill some areas such as Moran Market in Seongnam, but many stalls and eateries are quieter than in past years.
The change comes as a nationwide ban on the breeding, slaughter and sale of dogs for meat takes full effect in February 2027, following earlier steps in the legal framework. Outlet reports describe dog meat as a longstanding tradition tied to the hottest days of summer, but consumption has fallen over time as attitudes shift and pet ownership rises. By contrast, business activity increasingly turns to alternatives such as other stews. In Moran Market, merchants say demand for dog meat largely comes from older customers, and some areas that once drove the trade now appear dominated by an aging clientele.
Overall coverage aligns on a common theme: the industry has been in decline and is reaching a final legal phase before the ban, even though day-of coverage shows remaining activity at traditional market hubs.
