Amid a severe heatwave sweeping North Korea, the nation’s state media has urged its citizens to consume dog meat soup as a traditional remedy to help them cope with scorching temperatures. Notably, temperatures in North Korea have neared 40°C in several regions. 

The ruling Workers’ Party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, recently published a health advisory, pleading with people to consume nutritious foods to keep heat-related ailments at bay, which included cooling foods like watermelon, mung beans and cucumbers, besides energy-rich dishes such as dog meat soup, fish porridge and red bean porridge. 

The report published in the newspaper cited a senior doctor from the Pyongyang General Hospital, who warned that extreme heat could worsen existing health woes, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and hyperthyroidism. It also shed light on the risks linked to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially during prolonged periods of soaring temperatures. 

‘Dangogi’ holds cultural significance in North Korea

Notably, dog meat, locally referred to as ‘Dangogi’ in North Korea, has been promoted by the nation for decades as a traditional food with perceived health benefits. As per reports, Pyongyang has encouraged its consumption by establishing speciality restaurants and recognising regional recipes as part of the country’s cultural heritage. 

The North Korea government has also organised annual cooking competitions in the capital to elevate the status of dog meat dishes, presenting them as a patriotic culinary tradition that helps people withstand summers. 

A former North Korean diplomat named Ri Chol, told This Week in Asia that dangogi remains popular in North Korea, although it is considered an expensive edible. He said, “Dangogi is mostly consumed on hot summer days to help fend off heat exhaustion.”

Country’s sharp contrast with South Korea’s ban on dog meat trade

However, the country’s promotion of consumption of dog meat comes in sharp contrast to developments in neighbouring South Korea, which introduced landmark legislation in 2024, banning the breeding, slaughter, distribution and sale of dogs for consumption as a meal. The South Korean law kept forth a three-year transition period, which shall end in February 2027.

After the deadline, those found violating the law could face a jail term of up to three years or fines up to 30 million South Korean won (approximately US$22,000). 

North Korea reeling under extreme heatwave

The recommendation surfaces as North Korea struggles with an intense heatwave affecting large parts of the country. Pyongyang has recorded consecutive tropical nights since July 27, 2026, with overnight temperatures surging past 25°C.

The Korean Central Broadcasting Station has issued a heat advisory that will remain in place until Sunday across most areas south of the country's central region, along with parts of northern regions. Daytime temperatures in affected areas are expected to remain between 33°C and 35°C, with average relative humidity levels crossing 70%. 

Meanwhile, a separate high-temperature warning has been sounded until Saturday for Pyongyang, North Pyongan Province, parts of Jagang Province, and several central and southern regions. Temperatures in these areas are forecast to rise between 35°C and 40°C.