North Korea is facing a severe heatwave, with authorities promoting dog meat soup as a traditional food believed to help people cope with summer heat.
North Korea is battling a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching 36.7°C (98.1°F) as state media promotes traditional foods, including dog-meat soup.
Across the border, South Korea has reported heat-related deaths, highlighting the growing health risks from extreme temperatures. (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
South Korea reports 19 deaths as record heatwave expands nationwide
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Why Is North Korea Promoting Dog Meat Soup During the Heatwave?
North Korea is experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures reaching 36.7°C.
Amid the extreme heat, state media has highlighted people to consume traditional foods such as dog-meat soup, chicken broth, fish porridge and red-bean porridge as foods that can help people cope with the summers extreme heat.
The recommendation is closely linked to the Korean summer tradition of sambok, a period associated with the hottest days of the season.
As extreme heat triggers heat stroke or exhaustion and can worsen certain conditions like heart disease, hypothyroidism, and diabetes.
North Korean media has particularly emphasized dog-meat soup, known locally as dan’gogiguk, portraying it as a traditional source of nutrition and stamina during hot weather.
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The Cultural Tradition Behind Dog Meat Soup
Dog meat has historically been associated with summer eating in parts of the Korean Peninsula.
Dog meat soup has a long, controversial history in parts of the Korean Peninsula, where it was traditionally consumed during sambok, the hottest period of summer. In North Korea, dog meat is often called “sweet meat” or dangogi, while the soup is known as dan’gogiguk.
The tradition is rooted in the belief that eating nutritious, protein-rich foods during the hottest days could help restore strength and energy.
However, there is no scientific evidence that dog meat soup prevents or treats heatstroke or heat exhaustion.
The practice is increasingly controversial and differs sharply from changing attitudes in South Korea.
In addition, South Korea passed legislation in January 2024 banning the breeding, slaughter, distribution and sale of dogs for human consumption, with a three-year transition period.
The current North Korean recommendation reflects a traditional cultural belief, not evidence that dog-meat soup is a medically proven treatment for heatstroke or heat exhaustion.
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North vs South Korea: Two Different Paths on Dog Meat
While North Korea continues to highlight dog-meat soup as a traditional summer food, South Korea is moving in the opposite direction.
Once part of the country’s food culture, dog meat is now being phased out under a 2024 law.
From February 2027, those involved in breeding, slaughtering, distributing or selling dogs for human consumption will be prohibited, with penalties of up to three years in prison or a 30 million won fine, depending on the violation. (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Implementation of the End of Dog Meat Consumption and Changes in Animal Welfare Policies
Extreme Heat Raises Health Concerns Across Korea
The unusual food recommendation comes as the Korean Peninsula faces severe summer heat.
North Korea has not released comparable figures for heat-related deaths, but neighboring South Korea has reported more than 20 heat-related deaths during the current heatwave.
(3✔ ✔Trusted Source
Heat-related death toll rises to 21 amid serious heat wave
North Korean state media has also urged people to take precautions against heat exhaustion, including staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activity and choosing foods such as watermelon and cucumbers.
Public beaches and water parks have also been shown as places where people are seeking relief from the heat.
Extreme heat can pose serious health risks, particularly for older adults, children and people with underlying health conditions.
Regardless of cultural food traditions, staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, limiting strenuous activity during peak heat and seeking medical help for symptoms such as confusion, fainting or severe weakness are important steps during a heatwave.
North Korea’s promotion of dog-meat soup highlights a long-standing summer food tradition, while South Korea’s 2024 legislation reflects a major shift away from dog-meat consumption.
As extreme temperatures become an increasing public-health concern, evidence-based heat-safety measures remain essential for protecting communities.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” As extreme heat continues to challenge communities, staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged sun exposure and recognizing early warning signs can make a life-saving difference.
References:
- South Korea reports 19 deaths as record heatwave expands nationwide – (https://ctif.org/news/south-korea-reports-19-deaths-record-heatwave-expands-nationwide)
- Implementation of the End of Dog Meat Consumption and Changes in Animal Welfare Policies – (https://www.mafra.go.kr/bbs/home/829/572216/artclView.do)
- Heat-related death toll rises to 21 amid serious heat wave – (https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/environment-animals/20260805/heat-related-death-toll-rises-to-21-amid-serious-heat-wave)
Source-Medindia