TL;DR: As North Korea battles an intense summer heatwave, state media is once again promoting dog meat soup, known locally as dangogi, as a traditional remedy for heat exhaustion. The recommendation comes alongside conventional advice to eat fruits and stay hydrated, highlighting a longstanding cultural practice that contrasts sharply with neighbouring South Korea, which is phasing out the dog meat industry under a nationwide ban.
North Korea Pushes Dog Meat Soup as Heatwave Remedy Amid Record Temperatures
As North Korea endures one of its hottest summers in recent years, state media is urging citizens to turn to an unconventional remedy: dog meat soup.
The recommendation appeared in Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, as part of broader public health advice aimed at helping people cope with soaring temperatures. While the newspaper also encouraged eating fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods, its endorsement of dog meat soup underscores a culinary tradition that remains deeply rooted in North Korea—even as neighboring South Korea moves to eliminate the practice.
The guidance comes as much of the country faces prolonged heat advisories, with temperatures climbing as high as 40°C (104°F) in some regions.
Why is North Korea recommending dog meat soup?
According to Rodong Sinmun, dog meat soup—known locally as dangogi, is considered a highly nutritious food that can help people recover from extreme summer heat.
The recommendation was published alongside an interview with a senior physician at Pyongyang General Hospital, who warned that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can worsen several chronic medical conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
The newspaper also cautioned readers about the risks of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, encouraging people to maintain proper nutrition during the heatwave.
Alongside dog meat soup, the publication suggested several other foods traditionally viewed as cooling or nourishing, including:
- Watermelon
- Cucumbers
- Mung beans
- Fish porridge
- Red bean porridge
While many of these recommendations align with general nutritional advice during hot weather, the inclusion of dog meat soup reflects North Korea’s longstanding cultural beliefs surrounding the dish.
What is dangogi?
Dangogi literally translates to “sweet meat,” a term commonly used in North Korea to refer to dog meat.
For decades, the North Korean government has promoted the dish as both a traditional delicacy and a nutritious meal believed to restore energy during the hottest months of the year.
According to reports, Pyongyang has invested in preserving the culinary tradition by:
- Operating specialty dog meat restaurants along the Taedong River
- Registering regional dog meat recipes as cultural heritage
- Hosting annual cooking competitions centered on dangogi
- Promoting the dish as part of national culinary identity
Former North Korean diplomat Ri Chol told This Week in Asia that while dog meat remains popular, it is considered relatively expensive.
“It is mostly consumed on hot summer days to help fend off heat exhaustion,” he said.
Why do some cultures associate hot foods with hot weather?
The belief that certain warming or protein-rich foods help the body cope with summer heat has existed across several East Asian cultures for generations.
In Korean tradition, this concept is sometimes linked to the idea of “fighting heat with heat,” where consuming nourishing foods during the hottest days of summer is believed to replenish energy lost through excessive sweating.
Historically, dishes such as dog meat soup—and in South Korea, chicken ginseng soup (samgyetang)—have been associated with these seasonal health beliefs.
However, modern medical evidence does not support claims that dog meat provides unique protection against heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Health experts generally recommend:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Limiting outdoor activity during peak heat
- Eating balanced meals rich in fruits and vegetables
- Seeking shade or air-conditioned spaces
- Recognizing early signs of heat-related illness
North Korea is facing an intense heatwave
The renewed promotion of dog meat comes as North Korea experiences prolonged periods of extreme heat.
According to state broadcaster Korean Central Broadcasting Station:
- Pyongyang has recorded consecutive tropical nights since July 27, with overnight temperatures remaining above 25°C (77°F).
- Heat advisories remain in effect across much of the country.
- Daytime temperatures are expected to range between 33°C and 35°C (91°F to 95°F) across many regions.
- Some provinces could see temperatures reach 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F).
- Relative humidity is forecast to remain above 70%, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
High humidity reduces the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, making heatwaves especially dangerous for older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
How does this compare with South Korea?
North Korea’s continued promotion of dog meat stands in stark contrast to developments south of the border.
In 2024, South Korea passed landmark legislation banning:
- The breeding of dogs for human consumption
- The slaughter of dogs for food
- The distribution and sale of dog meat
The law includes a three-year transition period, giving businesses until February 2027 to shut down operations or shift to other industries.
After that deadline, violators could face:
- Up to three years in prison
- Fines of up to 30 million South Korean won (approximately US$22,000)
The legislation reflects changing public attitudes in South Korea, where dog meat consumption has declined sharply over the past two decades, particularly among younger generations.
Why the issue remains controversial
Dog meat consumption remains one of the most debated food traditions globally.
Supporters often describe it as a cultural practice with historical roots, while critics raise concerns about:
- Animal welfare
- Food safety
- Public health
- Ethical treatment of animals
International animal welfare organisations have long campaigned against the dog meat trade, arguing that changing societal attitudes and improved animal protection standards have reduced its acceptance in many countries.
At the same time, cultural practices surrounding food remain highly sensitive and vary widely across societies.
What readers should know
North Korea’s recommendation of dog meat soup should be understood in the context of the country’s traditional dietary beliefs and longstanding state promotion of dangogi. While the dish continues to hold cultural significance within North Korea, there is no established medical evidence showing that it is an effective treatment for heat exhaustion or protection against extreme heat.
Health authorities worldwide continue to recommend proven strategies for staying safe during heatwaves, including hydration, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and recognizing symptoms of heat-related illness.