Our Origin Story
Our journey began when our founder, EK Park, witnessed a horrifying scene in her native South Korea. The brutality she witnessed compelled her to take action and speak out against the suffering endured by millions of dogs in the Korean dog meat trade. Korea’s lack of legislation regulating this industry allows for unfathomable inhumane treatment, making it a political landmine that few in power wish to address.
Our Impact
We divide our mission across three basic pillars: rescue, adoption, and awareness. Since 2015, we’ve made huge advances in all three areas, shutting down three dog meat farm operations, facilitating the adoption of over 1,500 rescue dogs, and launching Freedom Walk, our annual event to raise public awareness about the Korean dog meat trade:
Our Presence
Free Korean Dogs (FKD) is a registered charity in Canada with Business Number (BN): 805800166RR0001.
Free Korean Dogs US (FKD US) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the USA, Federal Tax ID #85-2573367. We hold charitable organization registrations in Washington (#2004912), Oregon (#58908), and California (#0274571).
Join Our Mission
With dedication and the support of volunteers, partners, adopters, and supporters like you, we can work together to provide all animals with peaceful and happy lives.
Want to work with us? We have an incredibly engaged volunteer community, and there are so many ways you can get involved.
Media Coverage
Free Korean Dogs has been featured in various local and international media outlets.
Globe and Mail, June 24, 2022
Freeing Korean dogs, one overseas adoption at a time
The Globe and Mail chronicles EK Park’s experience with Korea’s dog meat trade, highlighting her journey from witness to rescuer and the creation of Free Korean Dogs. Read the article
CBC News, April 23, 2016
Toronto couple saves Korean dogs before they’re slaughtered for meat
CBC explores EK Park’s mission with Free Korean Dogs to change South Korea’s tradition of eating dogs, highlighting her efforts to rescue and educate. Read the article
CBS News, February 9, 2018
Dog meat soup for sale in shadow of Olympic stadium
CBS News covers Canadian figure skater Meagan Duhamel’s rescue of Moo-tae, a dog saved from the Korean dog meat trade, with the help of Free Korean Dogs. Read the article
The Dodo, July 10, 2017
Dog Rescued From Meat Farm Was Afraid Of Everything
The Dodo shares the heartwarming story Gucci, a Korean dosa mastiff, rescued from a dog meat farm by Free Korean Dogs and adopted by a loving family in Toronto. Read the article
The Washington Post, September 30, 2016
Rescued South Korean ‘dog meat dogs’ find temporary home in Maryland
The Washing Post reports on dogs saved by Free Korean Dogs, who found a temporary shelter in Maryland, marking a new chapter in their rescue journey. Read the article
Rescue Stories
We are the Change We Seek
Embark on our incredible journey, from humble origins to our vision of a sanctuary for Korean rescue dogs.
Siheung Dog Meat Farm Shutdown: One Year Later
Summary on Siheung dog meat farm closure after 1 year. Learn about the remarkable shutdown process and its impact.
Siheung Dog Meat Farm Shutdown: 101 Dogs Saved
101 dogs saved as Free Korean Dogs closes 3rd dog meat farm. A challenging rollercoaster in ending these facilities.