North Koreans Advised to Eat Dog Meat Soup Amid Heat Wave

North Koreans are being urged to consume dog meat soup to enhance their health during a heat wave affecting Northeast Asia. Authorities throughout the region have issued heat warnings and advised residents to limit outdoor activities to protect public health systems, power grids, and agriculture.

Advice from Medical Professionals

The Rodong Sinmun, North Korea’s official newspaper, published insights from a senior doctor at Pyongyang General Hospital. The doctor emphasized the importance of lowering body heat during hot weather. Foods like watermelon, grapes, cucumbers, and oriental melons are recommended for this purpose.

For protein, the doctor suggested fish, red-bean porridge, and a traditional dish called dongogi, or dog meat soup. Lack of protein, he noted, can weaken immunity and reduce appetite.

Dog Meat Soup Tradition

Dog meat soup has a long history on the Korean Peninsula, with differing views in North and South Korea. Known as bosintang in South Korea, the soup has cultural ties to the hottest days of the year, believed to rejuvenate energy lost to the summer heat.

In South Korea, consumption of dog meat has significantly declined over the years. Concerns over animal welfare have led to legislation in 2024 that prohibits breeding, slaughter, distribution, and sales of dogs for human consumption. This law includes a three-year adjustment period ending in February 2027.

Northeast Asia Faces Record Temperatures

The Rodong Sinmun article aligns with a broader heat wave impacting Northeast Asia. Temperatures are soaring in North Korea, South Korea, Japan, and parts of China. South Korea witnessed its highest recorded temperature of 108.5 degrees Fahrenheit on August 2. In response, President Lee Jae Myung labeled the heat as a “national disaster.”

Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that over 18,000 people were hospitalized for heatstroke symptoms during the week of July 20-26, with 45 fatalities.