A bowl of snake soup is considered the best “stamina” food for summer, according to some urban myths. But eating it could put you behind bars, the Ministry of Environment decided Tuesday.
The ministry is planning a nationwide crackdown on restaurants serving soups made with snake broth by July 15 to regulate the illegal distribution, sales and intake of snake meat, a move to protect wild animals.
The authorities said anyone who is caught eating snake meat here and those who import snakes and process them into an edible form will be fined up to 5 million won or imprisoned for up to one year. Those who poach wildlife animals are subject to up to two years in jail or a 10 million won fine.
“We hear some celebrities and sports stars on TV boast about eating snake meat to boost their energy. But we can assure you that eating snake is illegal and is nothing to speak proudly of,” a ministry official said.