North Korea Promotes Dog Meat To Combat Heat

North Korea's state-run media is advising citizens to consume dog meat soup to help their bodies withstand the sweltering summer heat. The recommendation was made in a summer health advisory published by the ruling Workers' Party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun.

The advisory listed dog meat soup as one of the 'highly nutritious foods' suitable for the season, alongside other common cooling foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and mung beans. A senior doctor from Pyongyang General Hospital cautioned that extreme heat can aggravate conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism.

The newspaper suggested eating hydrating foods, including watermelon, cucumbers, and mung beans, as well as protein-rich options like fish porridge, red bean porridge, and dog meat soup. Dog meat soup, known locally as dangogi guk, or 'sweet meat soup', has long been promoted by the North Korean government as a traditional health tonic believed to restore strength during hot weather.

Despite its official endorsement, the meal remains costly and is reportedly inaccessible for many ordinary citizens. The advisory comes as North Korea battles prolonged high temperatures, with Pyongyang experiencing consecutive tropical nights since July 27.

A 'sweltering heat advisory' will remain in effect across much of the country's central and southern regions until Sunday, with daytime temperatures expected to hover between 33°C and 35°C, and humidity levels exceeding 70%. Authorities have also issued a separate 'high temperature advisory' for Pyongyang, North Pyongan Province, parts of Jagang Province, and several central and southern districts.

The North Korean government's promotion of dog meat soup as a health tonic is not new, but its revival during the current heatwave has sparked interest. The dish is believed to have been consumed in North Korea for centuries, and its popularity has endured despite the country's economic struggles.

As the heatwave continues to grip the Korean Peninsula, North Korea's citizens are being encouraged to take precautions to stay safe. The government's advice to consume dog meat soup is part of a broader effort to promote traditional health remedies and mitigate the effects of the extreme heat.

The situation in North Korea highlights the challenges faced by the country in addressing the needs of its citizens during times of extreme weather. The promotion of dog meat soup as a health tonic is a unique aspect of North Korean culture, and its significance extends beyond the current heatwave.

In conclusion, North Korea's promotion of dog meat soup as a way to combat the heat is a reflection of the country's traditional health practices and its efforts to address the challenges posed by extreme weather.