Empty streets and restaurants at Moran Market signal end of dog meat era

A heat wave gripped Korea Monday, two days before "Chobok," the first of three days traditionally traditionally believed to be the hottest, but Moran Market in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, was nearly empty.

The market, once a hub for traditional summer dishes, is seeing a quiet final season before the landmark dog meat ban takes full effect on Feb.

7, 2027.

Dog meat was once considered one of the most restorative foods for combating summer lethargy.

About 10 specialty restaurants sat mostly empty, with few customers and almost no foot traffic.

"There are no customers looking for dog meat and only a few places still sell it," said a 58-year-old merchant surnamed Ju, who runs a butcher shop and restaurant at the market.

The shop owner attributed the drop to growing pet ownership and changing public attitudes toward dog meat.

"Even occasional customers cut back as prices rose," Ju said.

Prices surged from about 10,000 won ($6.71) per 600 grams to the mid-20,000-won range after 80 percent of farms raising dogs for meat closed last year, severely reducing supply.

Dog meat stew, known as "bosh ...