Bosintang

Korean soup made from dog meat

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Bosintang (보신탕) is a traditional Korean soup that is made from dog meat. It is believed to have originated during the Three Kingdoms of Korea period and has been consumed for centuries in Korea. The dish is often associated with the idea of restoring energy and vitality, particularly during the hot summer months.

Preparation

Bosintang served in a traditional Korean bowl

The preparation of bosintang involves boiling dog meat with various vegetables and seasonings. Common ingredients include green onion, perilla leaves, dandelion, Korean perilla, and chili pepper. The soup is typically seasoned with doenjang (fermented soybean paste), gochujang (red chili paste), and soy sauce.

The meat is first boiled to remove impurities and then simmered with the vegetables and seasonings until tender. The resulting broth is rich and flavorful, often described as having a slightly spicy and earthy taste. Bosintang is traditionally served with a side of rice and kimchi.

Cultural Significance

Bosintang is traditionally consumed during the hottest days of summer, known as "sambok" (삼복), which are divided into three periods: chobok (초복), jungbok (중복), and malbok (말복). These days are believed to be the hottest of the year, and eating bosintang is thought to help balance the body's heat and energy levels.

The dish is also associated with the concept of "boyangshik" (보양식), which refers to foods that are believed to restore health and vitality. In this context, bosintang is considered a form of traditional medicine in Korean culture.

Controversy and Modern Perspectives

The consumption of dog meat, including bosintang, has been a subject of controversy both within Korea and internationally. Animal rights activists and organizations have raised concerns about the ethical treatment of dogs and the conditions in which they are raised and slaughtered for meat.

In recent years, there has been a decline in the popularity of bosintang, particularly among younger generations in Korea. Many people are turning to alternative sources of protein and are influenced by changing attitudes towards animal welfare. Despite this, bosintang remains a part of Korea's culinary heritage and is still consumed by some, especially in rural areas.

Related pages

• Korean cuisine
• Dog meat
• Sambok
• Traditional Korean medicine