Boknal (Dog Days)
Overview
Boknal (복날, 伏날) refers to the three hottest periods of summer in Korean traditional seasonal customs: Chobok (초복, 初伏), Jungbok (중복, 中伏), and Malbok (말복, 末伏). During this time, people consume nourishing foods such as samgyetang (삼계탕, ginseng chicken soup), bosintang (보신탕, dog meat soup), and jangeogui (장어구이, grilled eel) to beat the heat and maintain health. Boknal falls between the 6th and 7th months of the lunar calendar, corresponding roughly to mid-July to mid-August in the solar calendar. Beyond mere food consumption, it has become a sociocultural event where families and neighbors gather to overcome the summer heat together.
Main Content
Origin and History of Boknal
The origin of Boknal stems from ancient Chinese calendrical systems. The character '伏' (bok) means 'a dog lies down,' implying that even dogs lie down to rest due to extreme heat. In Korea, the custom of Boknal is believed to have been passed down since the Three Kingdoms period, and during the Joseon Dynasty, it developed into an official event where the royal court bestowed samgyetang upon officials. Notably, the late Joseon scholar Yi Gyu-gyeong (이규경) recorded the custom of eating dog meat on Boknal in his work Oju yeonmun jangjeon sango (오주연문장전산고).
Types and Date Calculation of Boknal
Boknal is divided into three periods:
- Chobok (初伏): The third Gyeong day (경일, 庚日) after the summer solstice (하지, 夏至), roughly between July 11 and 20.
- Jungbok (中伏): The fourth Gyeong day after the summer solstice, occurring 10 or 20 days after Chobok.
- Malbok (末伏): The first Gyeong day after the autumn begins (입추, 立秋), roughly between August 7 and 16.
A Gyeong day is a day with the seventh heavenly stem 'Gyeong (庚)', based on the yin-yang and five elements theory. Since the solar calendar dates of Boknal change each year, one must consult the annual calendar for exact dates.
Food Culture of Boknal
Representative foods of Boknal include:
- Samgyetang (삼계탕): A nourishing soup made by boiling a young chicken with ginseng, jujubes, glutinous rice, and garlic. Rich in protein and nutrients, it helps recover from summer fatigue.
- Bosintang (보신탕, dog meat soup): Traditionally a soup made by boiling dog meat, long considered effective for overcoming heat. However, consumption has declined in modern times due to increased animal protection awareness.
- Jangeogui (장어구이, grilled eel): Eel is rich in vitamin A and DHA, good for restoring energy. Freshwater eel is particularly popular.
- Chueotang (추어탕, loach soup): A soup made with loach, rich in protein and calcium.
- Patjuk (팥죽, red bean porridge): In some regions, people eat red bean porridge on Boknal to ward off bad luck.
Modern Significance of Boknal
In the past, Boknal had a practical meaning for farmers exhausted from the farming season, allowing them to replenish their strength with nourishing foods. In modern times, with growing health awareness, Boknal has become a 'nourishing food day.' Additionally, with the development of the dining-out industry, samgyetang specialty restaurants and eel grills offer special menus on Boknal, and the retail industry sells Boknal gift sets, expanding it into a commercial event.
Controversies Related to Boknal
The biggest controversy surrounding Boknal is the consumption of dog meat. Animal rights groups criticize the surge in dog meat consumption during Boknal and campaign for a ban on dog meat. In 2024, the South Korean government implemented a special law to end dog meat consumption, bringing changes to Boknal culture. Health concerns have also been raised about the high sodium content in samgyetang.
Recent Trends
As of 2024 and 2025, Boknal culture is undergoing the following changes:
- Enforcement of the Dog Meat Ban: From August 2024, the 'Special Act on the Termination of Raising, Slaughtering, and Distributing Dogs for Food Purposes' took effect, sharply reducing dog meat consumption. Consequently, nourishing foods like samgyetang, jangeogui, and ori baek-suk (오리백숙, duck soup) have gained more attention.
- Health Trend Reflection: Low-sodium, low-calorie nourishing foods are gaining popularity, leading to modern options like air-fried chicken breast salad or tofu steak.
- Increase in Online Delivery: Demand for enjoying Boknal foods at home has risen, with delivery apps seeing a surge in sales of samgyetang sets or meal kits. In 2025, orders on the day before Boknal increased by 30% compared to the previous year.
- Local Festivals: Some local governments hold 'Boknal Festivals' to celebrate. For example, in Jeonju, the Hanok Village runs programs combining free samgyetang tasting with traditional performances.
- Impact of Climate Change: Global warming has increased the number of summer heatwave days, emphasizing the significance of Boknal. In 2024, many regions recorded record-high temperatures, leading to a more than 20% increase in consumption of Boknal nourishing foods compared to average years.
Related Topics
- [[Samgyetang]]
- [[Bosintang]]
- [[Korean Seasonal Customs]]
- [[Summer Solstice]]
- [[Autumn Begins]]
- [[Dog Meat Ban Act]]
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