Nureongi Dogs: Not a Friend, Just Food for Koreans

When we say about our compatriot "he ate a dog", we usually mean that this person is an expert in his field. But in Korea, this expression can be taken literally. The chances are high that someone really ate dog meat, and not a random yard dog, but a Korean yellow spitz - nureongi.

Many have heard that Koreans eat dogs. But it is important to understand that the attitude to this dish differs significantly in North and South Korea. In the DPRK, dog meat is a fairly common product sold in markets. There you can find rows of live, butchered, or already cooked dogs. Even canned dog meat is mass-produced and included in the military's rations.

In South Korea, such culinary preferences have survived only in rural areas, but in general, eating dogs is not encouraged. In January 2024, the country's parliament passed a law banning the breeding, slaughtering, and sale of dogs for meat. Violators face a fine of up to 30 million won (about $23,000) or imprisonment for up to three years.

But it is worth noting that the punishment only applies to those who slaughter and sell dogs for meat. If a gourmet wants to try dog meat at home, no one will stop him. After all, for many residents of the Korean Peninsula, this is not just food, but a centuries-old tradition. In villages, the older generation still believes in the healing properties of dog meat. Similar dishes are in demand in some other countries, such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong.

In principle, all dogs are at risk, regardless of breed and size. But traditional Korean dishes are not made from all dogs. For this, there is the nureongi or Korean edible dog, which is sometimes called the yellow Korean Spitz. This is a very beautiful dog - large, muscular and with a bright red color.

The physique of the Nureongi shows that this breed is related to shepherd dogs. But, alas, it did not work out - these beauties are bred for food. For centuries, Nureongi were not friends and helpers for Koreans, but a type of meat, like beef or pork. Yes, Koreans distinguish dogs. Both North and South Korea love these animals and keep them at home. But this love does not extend to Nureongi, because the yellow dog is food.

Translated from Korean, nureongi means "yellow dog". At one time, this was not the name of the breed, but simply a feature. Externally, the dogs are somewhat similar to the Japanese Shiba and Akita dogs. There is an opinion that, unlike their Japanese counterparts, yellow Spitz are no guards or protectors.

Moreover, it is said that the breed is not trainable at all, since they were bred in cages for centuries and were not used anywhere. Although those who spread rumors about the stupidity and laziness of these dogs, perhaps do so to justify their killing. Otherwise, how can one explain the fact that in South Korean villages, nureongs often guard houses?

But how did the tradition of eating dogs develop on the Korean Peninsula? It should be said right away that there is no point in demonizing Koreans. Oddly enough, traditional "dog" cuisine is available even in advanced Switzerland. Some cantons still make a special sausage from dogs, albeit secretly and for themselves.

Koreans have long lived on lands that are poorly suited for farming. And the steep mountain slopes are not very suitable for cattle breeding. In ancient times, the peninsula was home to dozens of small states that were constantly at war with each other, and with the neighboring Chinese and Japanese. In general, the conditions for agricultural prosperity are very poor.

Only rich people could keep a cow or a pig. And for commoners, small and practically omnivorous dogs were domestic animals. So, dog meat was not eaten in Korea because life was good. And then, as often happens, the problem turned into a national peculiarity.