In 2024, South Korea made global headlines when it officially banned the dog meat trade—a move widely applauded by animal rights advocates. But while the decision marked a major step forward for animal welfare, it has left behind an unexpected and heartbreaking challenge: what happens to the hundreds of thousands of dogs bred for meat?
According to government data, there are more than 500,000 dogs currently living on dog meat farms across the country. With the industry set to shut down completely by 2027, time is running out to find them homes.
Though eating dog meat has steadily declined in popularity over the past few decades—with recent surveys showing more than 80% of South Koreans have never eaten it—the industry persisted, particularly among older generations and in rural areas. But with the government’s decision to outlaw all aspects of the dog meat trade, the remaining vendors, farmers, and slaughterhouses have been given until 2027 to shut down completely.
Over Half a Million Dogs in Limbo
According to the South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, an estimated 500,000 dogs are currently being raised on meat farms across the country. These dogs—many of them large breeds like the Tosa Inu, Jindo, and Mastiff mixes—are now in urgent need of rehoming or relocation.
The challenge, however, is enormous.
“These dogs were bred specifically for meat. Many have never lived outside of cages or had human affection,” said JungAh Chae, Korea Director at Humane Society International (HSI). “They need care, rehabilitation, and in most cases, time to adjust to life as pets.”
Adding to the difficulty is the nature of the dogs themselves. Many are significantly larger than typical household pets, making them unsuitable for small apartments—a common living arrangement in urban South Korea. On top of that, breeds like the Tosa Inu are classified as “dangerous animals” under Korean law, requiring special permits and insurance for ownership.
Fear and Stigma Still Linger
Despite the government’s intent to end the industry humanely, public hesitancy around adopting former meat dogs persists. Some potential adopters fear the dogs might carry disease, while others struggle with the emotional hurdle of bringing home an animal once considered food.
“There’s a psychological barrier for some people,” said Choi Jae-won, Director at Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE). “Many simply aren’t comfortable adopting these dogs, even if they support the ban.”
The stigma has made domestic adoption slow, and shelters are already reaching capacity.
International Aid and Adoption Appeals
To address the crisis, the South Korean government is partnering with animal welfare groups at home and abroad. Organizations such as HSI, CARE, and the Korean Animal Welfare Association (KAWA) are working to rehabilitate dogs and coordinate international adoptions—particularly in the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe.
Some airlines have even stepped in, offering discounted or subsidized cargo space to transport adopted dogs overseas.
Animal rights groups are now calling on international communities to help. “If you’ve ever thought about adopting a dog, now is the time,” said Park Min-ji, a veterinarian based in Seoul. “These animals have suffered enough. They deserve a second chance.”
A Turning Point in Korean Animal Welfare
While the ban marks a new chapter for South Korea, it also underscores the complex aftermath of progressive reform. Shutting down the industry was an important step, but it’s only part of the solution.
Without a large-scale adoption effort—both domestic and international—many of these dogs may end up in shelters indefinitely, or worse, be abandoned.
Still, for the millions who pushed for change, the message is clear: South Korea is turning the page on dog meat, but the next few years will determine whether that story ends in compassion or crisis.