Korea is a wonderful place and I've enjoyed living here, but one thing that I've really struggled to handle is the treatment of dogs. The miniature dogs are well looked after but the bigger dogs are always chained to their kennels or lamp posts (which I can understand because many houses are not securely enclosed) but they are never taken for walks and their living conditions are really poor.
I'm am a huge animal lover and it breaks my heart every time I see a beautiful dog in poor condition. There are two dogs in my neighbourhood that I visit and try to feed as often as possible.
The 'eating dog meat' has always been a sore topic for me but I decided to approach some of my teachers about it because I was just too curious and wanted to clear any rumours I had heard. Unfortunately I wasn't put at ease. I discovered that most Koreans still eat dog nowadays even though they can afford other meat. My teacher's asked me if I hated them for this. Well I do but these are harsh words yo say. I was honest with them and said they I don't agree with it but I can't top them... it's Korean culture, so I do understand, but I certainly don't like it!
Dog meat is eaten in the summer months. There are three days where people will specifically eat dog, these days are known as "bok" days. Today is the second bok day - Jung bok. It pains me to think that people are celebrating this evening with dog soup!
"Bok refers to the three days in summer on which Korea is the hottest. Traditionally, on bok days Korean people eat hot, boiling soup that is supposed to make you sweat and restore balance of your body. The favorite dishes of the bok days are samgyetang (chicken and ginseng soup) and boshintang (dog meat soup.)"
When the heat of Korean Summer set in the poor black dog in my neighbourhood was no longer to be seen. I wondered now...did he just die? Quite possible... he was so malnourished, but it puzzled me because he was still so energetic when I went to pat him.
A few days ago a new pup has been chained to the same kennel (bucket) as the little black dog. Now this just makes me think... if the owners never took care of the previous dog then why would they get a new one? I seriously think they keep a dog just for food. So sad!
I'm am a huge animal lover and it breaks my heart every time I see a beautiful dog in poor condition. There are two dogs in my neighbourhood that I visit and try to feed as often as possible.
The 'eating dog meat' has always been a sore topic for me but I decided to approach some of my teachers about it because I was just too curious and wanted to clear any rumours I had heard. Unfortunately I wasn't put at ease. I discovered that most Koreans still eat dog nowadays even though they can afford other meat. My teacher's asked me if I hated them for this. Well I do but these are harsh words yo say. I was honest with them and said they I don't agree with it but I can't top them... it's Korean culture, so I do understand, but I certainly don't like it!
Dog meat is eaten in the summer months. There are three days where people will specifically eat dog, these days are known as "bok" days. Today is the second bok day - Jung bok. It pains me to think that people are celebrating this evening with dog soup!
"Bok refers to the three days in summer on which Korea is the hottest. Traditionally, on bok days Korean people eat hot, boiling soup that is supposed to make you sweat and restore balance of your body. The favorite dishes of the bok days are samgyetang (chicken and ginseng soup) and boshintang (dog meat soup.)"
When the heat of Korean Summer set in the poor black dog in my neighbourhood was no longer to be seen. I wondered now...did he just die? Quite possible... he was so malnourished, but it puzzled me because he was still so energetic when I went to pat him.
A few days ago a new pup has been chained to the same kennel (bucket) as the little black dog. Now this just makes me think... if the owners never took care of the previous dog then why would they get a new one? I seriously think they keep a dog just for food. So sad!
the precious little pup that may sadly be dinner next summer
So this time next year, if this pup is gone, then I'll know. I just feel so horrible for being so close to an issue that I'm very anti. I have to keep reminding myself that it's a cultural thing, and maybe the tradition will fade away with generations to come.
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