Dozens of people opposing dog meat consumption, including American actress Kim Basinger, rallied in Seoul on Friday to mark a "dog meat day" in South Korea.
About 20 others stood on the opposite side calling for a legalization of dog meat during a protest near the National Assembly building. There were no reports of violence.
Under a traditional belief, Friday is the first of three hottest days in South Korea. Many South Koreans believe eating dog meat or chicken soups on those three days gives them strength to beat the heat.
"They do not need your tears, they need your help," Basinger said. "We have to end this cruelty on this planet. We have to help anything suffering, and these dogs and cats are suffering."