South Korea's Dog Meat Ban Enters Final Countdown: Over 80% Farms and Restaurants Close Ahead of Schedule, Leading New Trend in Asia

On January 9, 2024, the National Assembly of South Korea passed the "Special Act on the Prohibition of Breeding, Slaughtering, and Distribution of Dogs for Consumption" with an overwhelming cross-party vote of 208 in favor, 2 abstentions, and 0 opposed. Today, with just six months remaining before its full implementation in February 2027, this historic legislation is steadily entering its most critical phase of policy execution and industry transformation.

According to the latest official monitoring data released on May 15, 2026, by South Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA):

• Out of 1,537 registered dog farms nationwide, over 82% have closed early or submitted transition/exit plans.

• Out of more than 1,660 dog meat restaurants and distributors across the country, over 80% have complied with the policy by ceasing sales or transitioning to new businesses.

In addition to providing cross-departmental transition subsidies, low-interest loans, and business transition consulting for restaurants, the South Korean government has implemented unannounced inspections to prevent illegal new breeding or business resurgences. As the February 2027 enforcement deadline approaches—when full bans on sales and slaughter take legal effect—the remaining 20% of operators are expected to complete their closures or transitions within the next six months under strict legal enforcement and government support, officially bringing South Korea's dog meat industry to a complete close.

Serving as the core sponsor and key champion of the special act, National Assembly Member and Chairperson of the Policy Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, Han Jeoung-ae, emphasized: “Passed with strong cross-party consensus, the Special Act on the Prohibition of Dog Meat Consumption marks not only a collective awakening of South Korean society regarding life dignity and animal welfare, but also a landmark milestone in South Korea’s human rights and civilizational progress.” For her instrumental role in spearheading this legislation, Ms. Han was awarded the Golden Dog Award by the World Dog Alliance (WDA) in 2025.

Vice Minister of MAFRA, Park Beom-su, publicly stated: “We are actively executing administrative measures to ensure the smooth progress of the exit plan. We hope industry operators and citizens will work together to accelerate South Korea’s transformation into a civilized nation with deep animal welfare awareness.” Mainstream media outlets such as Chosun Ilbo reported that many decades-old establishments in traditional dog meat districts have already transitioned into serving Korean soups or barbecue, reflecting a vibrant societal transition.

Following the release of the official monitoring data, major local animal protection organizations—including the Korea Animal Welfare Association (KAWA), which was also awarded the WDA Golden Dog Award in 2025—issued a joint statement. They highly commended the government’s efficiency in achieving over 80% exit ahead of schedule, noting that this demonstrates a firm societal consensus that “dogs are companions, not food.” Animal protection groups also urged that the final stretch of policy implementation should focus on the proper rescue and shelter of remaining dogs from exiting farms, while continuing unannounced inspections to ensure the ultimate goal of “zero dog meat consumption” by 2027.

Expressing deep gratification over the joint efforts of the South Korean government and civil society to end dog and cat meat consumption, Genlin, Founder of the World Dog Alliance (WDA), stated: “The South Korean government and civil society have demonstrated unprecedented political courage and decisiveness in pushing forward the dog meat ban. South Korea's success not only completely dismantles a historical legacy but also sets a brand-new benchmark for companion animal protection across Asia. This 'Asian Trend' will inevitably generate a powerful ripple effect, driving the movement to end dog and cat meat consumption both regionally and globally.”