North Korea’s state media has once again recommended dog meat soup as a food to eat during the summer, saying it can help people cope with the country’s scorching heat. The recommendation comes as North Korea battles an intense heatwave, with temperatures expected to touch 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, according to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
The report has drawn global attention because it revives a long-standing and deeply controversial tradition. For many people around the world, especially dog lovers and animal welfare advocates, the practice is upsetting.
As reported by SCMP, Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, published health advice for people dealing with the extreme heat.
A doctor from Pyongyang General Hospital warned that high temperatures can worsen conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. Along with watermelon, cucumbers, mung beans, fish porridge, and red bean porridge, the newspaper also recommended dog meat soup, describing it as a nutritious food for summer.
Why Is It Recommended
Dog meat soup, known locally as dangogi guk, has been linked to summer in North Korea for decades.
Many people there traditionally believe it helps restore energy and fight heat exhaustion during the hottest months of the year. Former North Korean diplomat Ri Chol told This Week in Asia, an SCMP publication, that the dish is usually eaten on very hot days, although it is expensive and not something most people can afford regularly.
There is no widely accepted scientific evidence that dog meat soup offers any special protection against heat-related illnesses.
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This is not a new recommendation. SCMP reports that North Korea has promoted dog meat soup for years as part of its traditional food culture. The government has supported speciality restaurants serving the dish, recognised regional recipes as cultural heritage and even organised dog meat cooking competitions in Pyongyang.
A Very Different Approach In South Korea
While North Korea continues to promote dog meat soup as a traditional summer dish, South Korea passed a landmark law in 2024 banning the breeding, slaughter, distribution and sale of dogs for human consumption. The ban will be fully enforced from February 2027, after a three-year transition period.
However, North Korea continues to present dog meat soup as part of its traditional summer food culture, while South Korea is moving towards ending the dog meat trade altogether.
The recommendation has also come at a time when both countries are experiencing one of their most severe heatwaves in years.
