Vegan Korean Food: The Ultimate Guide

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[{"selector":"#anim-8257ab9c-1627-4325-a5d4-7cd8b108c8b7","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 139.68257%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":150,"duration":1001,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3abcf61b-eef9-417b-881b-dcea361e5ace","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] History of Korean food When we look back at the history of this cuisine, it has largely been developed around plant-based ingredients, with meat and dairy used sparsely or left out entirely.

[{"selector":"#anim-e27f53a0-0683-4a50-b00e-a40c62c7b277","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 176.83211%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":150,"duration":1001,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-68404e51-3545-4b78-a211-b2a3629795b6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Spiritual roots of Korean food Vegan eating has a long history in Korea, especially among Buddhist monks and nuns. "Temple food" originated over 1600 years ago!

[{"selector":"#anim-0dc8ac17-eca9-4f22-affe-0fa1ebd6a424","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 184.27894%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":150,"duration":1001,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-072e4e3e-0a1c-4823-989c-7e09eba99797","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] What is Korean temple food? Tofu stews, rice soups and preserved vegetable dishes - classic temple food recipes - have had a significant influence on mainstream Korean cuisine.

Vegan everyday Korean food Many Korean dishes can be made without meat, such as bibimbap or japchae. Image & Recipe Credit: Okonomi Kitchen

[{"selector":"#anim-a557aa0f-e769-420e-8e8a-45b120ce09a8 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Side dishes Traditionally, a Korean meal isn't complete without side dishes like stir-fried or pickled veggies. Perfect for vegans!

[{"selector":"#anim-460cb24c-4806-407b-96b0-84e29bc05239 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Quick vegan dishes Try kimbap (seaweed and rice rolls) with fillings like carrot, spinach and pickled radish. Most cafes and food stalls will offer these. Image & Recipe Credit: My Eclectic Bites

[{"selector":"#anim-3149a640-efa2-47a3-89f4-123b8a387d7c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Vegan kimchi One of the most beloved foods in Korea, the spicy fermented cabbage dish can be made vegan.

[{"selector":"#anim-ae57d118-5456-488c-beef-ea0e7a40376d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 180.43985%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":150,"duration":1001,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7523a6dc-dfd4-4351-9004-ca7d95ab7d38","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Tips for vegan travel in Korea While you may not always see vegan options on the menu, restaurants are usually happy to adjust their dishes if you let them know in advance.

[{"selector":"#anim-c6e8c99a-1a3f-4b9c-9bcd-3c08ff93c140","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 126.43962%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":150,"duration":1001,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8263c825-4e3f-40bd-a9d2-6c743fe4af35","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Useful phrases for vegan tourists “(고기)를 빼주세요/ (gogi)reul bbaejuseyo ” means “please leave out (the meat)” – depending on the dish you can replace “gogi” with seafood (해산물/ hye-san mul ), egg (계란/ gye-ran ) or any ingredient(s) you prefer not to eat.