North Korea Advises Citizens To Consume Dog Meat Soup To Beat Extreme Heatwave

Published 5 August 2026 · world

News world North Korea Advises Citizens To Consume Dog Meat Soup To Beat Extreme Heatwave North Korea Advises Citizens To Consume Dog Meat Soup To

News world North Korea Advises Citizens To Consume Dog Meat Soup To Beat Extreme Heatwave North Korea Advises Citizens To Consume Dog Meat Soup To Beat Extreme Heatwave Published By, Last Updated: August 05, 2026, 14:26 IST North Korea's state media has recommended dog meat soup as a traditional remedy against extreme summer heat, as temperatures climb across the Korean Peninsula. North Korea's state media has once again dog meat soup as a traditional food believed to help people cope with extreme summer temperatures. (Photo: AP) North Korea’s state media has once again dog meat soup as a traditional way to cope with extreme summer temperatures, as an intense heatwave continues to affect the Korean Peninsula, according to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The report said the ruling Workers’ Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun published a health advisory on Sunday, offering guidance on preventing heat-related illnesses and suggesting foods believed to help people withstand the scorching weather. Quoting a senior doctor at Pyongyang General Hospital, the report warned that extreme heat could worsen existing medical conditions. “Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism can worsen due to heat exhaustion and heatstroke," the doctor was quoted as saying by SCMP, citing Rodong Sinmun.

Dog Meat Soup Among Recommended Foods According to the report, people have been advised to eat cooling foods such as watermelon, cucumbers and mung beans. It also recommended “highly nutritious foods," including dog meat soup, fish porridge and red bean porridge. SCMP reported that dog meat soup, locally known as dangogi guk or “sweet meat soup," has long been by the North Korean government as a traditional health tonic believed to help combat summer heat. However, the report noted that despite its official promotion, the dish remains costly and is not affordable for many North Koreans. North Korean diplomat Ri Chol told This Week in Asia, as quoted by SCMP, that the dish continues to enjoy popularity despite its price. “Dangogi is popular in the North, but it is a pricey food. It is mostly consumed on hot summer days to help fend off heat exhaustion," Ri said. According to SCMP, Pyongyang has spent decades encouraging the consumption of dog meat by opening speciality restaurants along the Taedong River and registering regional recipes as part of the country’s cultural heritage. The report added that authorities also organise annual cooking competitions in the capital to elevate the status of dog meat cuisine, presenting it as a traditional and patriotic food associated with enduring the summer season.