The controversy over dog meat consumption is expected to heat up again as local dog meat restaurant owners plan to provide foreign visitors with the chance to sample the food during the World Cup finals this summer.

The National Dog Meat Restaurants Association, a group of about 150 owners of restaurants selling dog meat, said yesterday that they will initiate a dog meat tasting campaign for the World Cup finals, which will be co-hosted by South Korea and Japan from May 31-June 30.

Visitors will be able to taste free samples of various dog meat dishes, which will be handed out near the World Cup stadiums in Seoul and other host cities.

The move is expected to be met with protests from animal lovers at home and abroad who view the traditional custom as offensive.

``We decided to hold the event to help legitimize the consumption of dog meat and change foreigners' prejudice against our culinary culture,'' said Park Song-soo, head of the association.

Samples of dog meat stew and soup will be given out in paper cups to the foreigners, along with leaflets highlighting the nutritious aspects of dog meat, he said.

Prior to announcing the World Cup food-tasting event, the association had made plans to invite hundreds of foreign residents to taste dog meat dishes at local restaurants.

The association will ask those who show a favorable response to serve as volunteers for the food-sampling campaign during the World Cup games.

``By receiving help from foreign volunteers, World Cup visitors will be able to consider dog meat in a more positive manner, while communicating more easily,'' said Choi Han-kwon, a member of the association.

The first tasting event will take place on May 8, with several more planned in the weeks to follow, he said, adding that they will provide about 1,000 free dog meat entrees during the period.

Following the formation of their association last January, dog meat restaurant owners have vigorously e ngaged in campaigns to promote canine cuisine to the international community.

Earlier this month, a group of French high school students living in Seoul were invited to taste dog meat at a restaurant in the capital.

The association said it will also open a homepage next month in English, Japanese and Chinese explaining the custom of eating dogs as well as providing detailed information on local restaurants where dog meat is served.