As the first day of the hottest period of summer (July 20) approaches, demand for dog meat is surging in North Korea. With fewer rural households raising dogs, supply has tightened, prompting traders to scramble to secure stock.
A source in South Hamgyong province told Daily NK recently that “the price of dogs and dog meat in Hamhung has been steadily climbing since the start of the month,” adding that this is “due to rising demand as the hottest days approach.”
Unlike South Korea, where cultural shifts and a new law banning the breeding, slaughter, and distribution of dogs for consumption are phasing out the practice, dog meat remains a staple health food in North Korea during the summer.
Many North Koreans believe that eating dog meat on the three hottest days of summer drives away heat and boosts stamina. The belief is so widespread that even financially struggling households try to eat dog meat at least once during the season.
Consequently, dog meat prices typically spike across the country each summer.
“Until late last month, dog meat cost around 25 yuan per kilogram ($3.48 USD), but it recently rose to 28 yuan ($3.89 USD),” the source said. “By the first hot day, it may climb to 35 yuan ($4.87 USD).”
Dog meat restaurants are placing early bulk orders ahead of the summer peak in anticipation of a sales surge.
Households commonly buy and cook dog meat in kilogram units, and as the hottest period approaches, prices surge and supply tightens. As a result, restaurants are reportedly rushing to secure stock from traders.
According to the source, dog meat traders in Hamhung are now traveling directly to rural villages to secure dogs, as few urban residents raise them. Rural households, however, still tend to keep dogs.
In Hyesan, Ryanggang province, dog traders are also actively moving through rural areas, reportedly offering above-market prices to secure supply.
The source said that with illicit trade picking up and market activity recovering in Hyesan, demand for dog meat this summer season is expected to rise further, prompting traders to aggressively secure inventory.
“In summer, anyone who can at least afford to feed themselves tries to buy dog meat,” the Ryanggang province source said. “As people’s financial situations improve, more are expected to eat it. In fact, many more people are now asking about dog meat prices in the markets as the hottest days approach.”
Translated by Kyungmin Kim.
