Yo Kass answered
The type of dog eaten in Korea is known as the Nureongi and is a type of dog native to the peninsula. It is purposely bred for consumption in much the same way that cattle is - although the eating of dog meat is still a very controversial topic, both inside and outside Korea.
It is important to note that, whilst Koreans deem the Nureongi breed to be suitable for eating, other breeds of dog (that are considered pets) are held in high regard.
The breed of dog eaten in Korea
Nureongi or Hwangu are the names used to refer to the type of dog eaten in Korea. The words reflect the yellow coat that the breed usually has, and the direct translation of its name is simply 'yellow one'.
A more colloquial and offensive term used in relation to these dogs is dong-gae which means 'dung dogs'. This phrase is used because it is not uncommon to see the dogs eating their own feces whilst in captivity.
The practice of eating dog meat is actually not unique to Korea, and has appeared in the history of cuisines around the globe. In modern times though, it has effectively died out in most places, leaving countries such as China, Vietnam,and Switzerland as some of the few remaining places where one might be able to enjoy a dog stew.
A more colloquial and offensive term used in relation to these dogs is dong-gae which means 'dung dogs'. This phrase is used because it is not uncommon to see the dogs eating their own feces whilst in captivity.
The practice of eating dog meat is actually not unique to Korea, and has appeared in the history of cuisines around the globe. In modern times though, it has effectively died out in most places, leaving countries such as China, Vietnam,and Switzerland as some of the few remaining places where one might be able to enjoy a dog stew.
Controversy of eating dog meat
Every time South Korea hosts a major sporting event or political conference, the issue of farming and eating dogs is raised. Animal rights campaigners are keen to see the practice eradicated and are often vocal about their views.
During the Summer Olympics of 1988 in Seoul, the Korean government took steps to try and suppress the practice for fear of negative press reports, and the issue was raised again during South Korea's hosting of the football World Cup in 2002.
In a recent survey, it is suggested that around 60% of Koreans under the age of thirty would not even entertain the thought of eating dog meat, which rather dispels the myth that this practice is as common in Korea as is eating beef or pork in the western world. Nevertheless, there do still exist a considerable number of people who argue that there is nothing wrong with eating an animal that has been purposely bred for consumption.
During the Summer Olympics of 1988 in Seoul, the Korean government took steps to try and suppress the practice for fear of negative press reports, and the issue was raised again during South Korea's hosting of the football World Cup in 2002.
In a recent survey, it is suggested that around 60% of Koreans under the age of thirty would not even entertain the thought of eating dog meat, which rather dispels the myth that this practice is as common in Korea as is eating beef or pork in the western world. Nevertheless, there do still exist a considerable number of people who argue that there is nothing wrong with eating an animal that has been purposely bred for consumption.
