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, adopt, and engage. Since 2015, we’ve made huge advances in all three areas, shutting down three dog meat farm operations, facilitating the adoption of 1,800 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.
Founded in Toronto, Canada, on July 1st, 2015, our organization rescues dogs from Korea’s dog meat trade and other at-risk circumstances and finds their forever-loving homes in Canada and the US.
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
A Mission to Save Another 100 Lives
110 dogs were rescued from a city pound, and now they have a second chance at life, filled with love, care, and hope for a brighter future
Commitment in Action: Our Annual Visit to Korea
Join Free Korean Dogs as they share their inspiring journey and updates on rescue efforts in Korea, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of their mission.
Anseong Dog Meat Farm Rescues
21 Dosa dogs rescued from a dog meat farm in Anseong City now await loving homes. These gentle puppies are healthy, affectionate, and ready for adoption soon.