Overview

• The National Assembly unanimously passed a law in January 2024 banning dog breeding, slaughter, sales and serving for meat by the end of 2027.
• The Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will allocate six billion won annually to expand public shelters, bolster private facilities and compensate farmers with up to 600,000 won per dog for early closures.
• More than 520,000 dogs on 1,156 registered farms face uncertain futures as rescue groups race to rehome animals at risk of abandonment or euthanasia.
• Dog meat farmers report being in “complete limbo,” citing unclear transition support and fears of economic hardship without concrete government guidance.
• Public consumption has plunged from 27% in 2015 to just 8% in 2023, reflecting a widespread cultural shift toward viewing dogs as companions.