By Honorary Reporter George Barker from U.K.

Though Korean food is famous worldwide for its barbeque and fried chicken, it surprisingly also has plenty of vegan options. So for vegan travelers in search of interesting foods, a visit to Korea is perfect for 2024. 

The following are my recommendations for vegan tourists in Korea based on my visit there in October last year.

First on my to-do list is learning to make kimchi. I visited the Seoul Kimchi Academy in Bukchon Hanok Village to do this while enjoying the beauty of a traditional Hanok (traditional home). Located in downtown Seoul, this place is within walking distance to the famous Insa-dong neighborhood, which has many stores selling traditional souvenirs. I had an amazing time learning to make kimchi, which is globally famous as a healthy vegan food.

As a lover of street food, I consider Myeong-dong a perfect place for all kinds of such snacks including vegan. My favorites are hotteok (fried pancake) with mung bean filling and mini vegan gimbap (seaweed rice roll).

While in Insa-dong, I visited the restaurant Vegan Insa recommended by my Korean friend. Among the many delicious dishes there, I tried bibimbap, or rice mixed with meat, vegetables and gochujang (red pepper paste), and fried nureungji (scorched rice) mushrooms with sweet and sour sauce. The ambience there was peaceful with wooden decorations giving this place a serene atmosphere.

Among Seoul's many traditional markets is Gwangjang, which offers a variety of vegan street foods. This place is especially recommended to those seeking good food at cheap prices who don't want to go to a fancy restaurant.

Finally, a templestay to experience the nation's Buddhist traditions at a temple is a great conclusion to a vegan tour of Korea. Part of the program is eating healthy vegan meals at the temple. My personal favorites are the temples of Geumseonsa and Jogyesa in Seoul, Bulguksa in Gyeongju, Gyeongangbuk-do Province, and Mihwangsa in Haenam-gun County, Jeollanam-do  Province.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.