Looking for plant-based alternatives to regular seafood? Korea has a variety of vegan seafood options for you to try. Here are options we’ve come across during our shopping adventures. It’s all part of the South of Seoul Plant-Based Food Initiative. Plant-Based Tuna (비건 참치) Plant-based tuna is a vegan or vegetarian alternative to traditional tuna fish. It seeks to replicate the taste, texture, and appearance of real tuna without using any animal-derived ingredients. There are a few primary ingredients and methods companies use to create plant-based tuna: Tomatoes: This is one of the most popular bases for vegan tuna. The natural texture of tomatoes, especially when marinated and seasoned, can mimic the flakiness of tuna. The tomatoes typically seasoned get with ingredients like soy sauce, seaweed, and sesame oil to achieve a “fishy” flavor. Jackfruit: Another common base for vegan fish products, jackfruit has a meaty texture that can mimic the flakiness of fish when cooked and seasoned properly. For a tuna-like flavor, marinate the jackfruit with a combination of seaweed, lemon juice, soy sauce, and other ingredients. Legumes: Mash chickpeas or other beans and mixed with vegan mayo, seaweed, and other seasonings to create a tuna salad substitute. Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP): Some companies use TVP, a dehydrated soy product, as the base. Once rehydrated, it can take on a texture similar to canned tuna, especially when combined with the right flavors. Konjac: Use this Asian root vegetable, often used to make low-calorie noodles, as a base for vegan seafood, including tuna. Algae and Other Sea Plants: These can be incorporated to give plant-based tuna a seafood flavor. They might not serve as the primary ingredient but are often included in the mix. Plant-Based Tuna in South Korea My Plant is the most common plant-based tuna option in South Korea. It can be found in bags and in cans. The company offers a variety of different flavors that can be used in recipes for sandwiches, kimbap, sushi, or tuna rice bowls. Buy Them Here If you would like to try plant-based tuna in Korea you can shop in the following locations: Vegan Shrimp (비건 새우) Vegan or plant-based shrimp exist as alternatives to traditional shrimp. Companies use ingredients such as konjac powder (derived from an Asian root vegetable), vegetable gum or agar-agar (for texture), plant-based proteins (like soy or pea protein), and seasonings and coloring to mimic the taste and look of real shrimp. Vegan Shrimp in South Korea We have found fried and non-friend vegan shrimp in South Korea. Find this option in some online shops. Buy Them Here If you would like to try plant-based shrimp in Korea you can shop in the following locations: Vegan Fish (비건 생선) As with the previous seafood options, vegan or plant-based fish alternatives aim to replicate the taste, texture, and appearance of real fish without using any fish or other animal-derived ingredients. For the whole fish, they are trying to go for a grilled fish taste using some of the following ingredients: Tofu-Based: Firm tofu can be marinated in a seaweed-based broth to impart a fishy flavor and then breaded and fried to mimic a fish fillet. Jackfruit-Based: Jackfruit has a flaky texture that can resemble certain types of fish. Marinating young, unripe jackfruit with seaweed, lemon, and other seasonings can produce a fish-like taste and texture. Banana Blossom Fish: The flowers of the banana tree, when marinated and cooked, can have a texture similar to flaky fish. Banana blossoms are often used in vegan fish and chips recipes. Tempeh-Based Fish: Tempeh can be sliced thin, marinated, and cooked to replicate a fish fillet’s texture and flavor. Heart of Palm: The soft, stringy texture of heart of palm can be used to replicate certain seafood dishes. Seitan or Wheat Gluten Fish: When flavored with seaweed and other seasonings, seitan can be made to resemble the chewy texture of some fish. Vegan Fish in South Korea In Korea, we have found the following option for fish fillet-style vegan fish. Buy Them Here If you would like to try plant-based fish in Korea you can shop in the following locations: Vegan Fish Cakes (비건 오뎅) Vegan or plant-based Korean fish cakes, also known as “eomuk” or “odeng,” are a cruelty-free alternative to the traditional fish-based version commonly used in Korean cuisine, particularly in soups and street food skewers. The vegan version aims to capture the chewy and savory experience of traditional eomuk without using any fish or animal-derived ingredients. Vegan Fish Cakes in Korea We have found the following pre-made, plant-based fish cakes in Korea. Buy Them Here If you would like to try plant-based fish cakes in Korea you can shop in the following locations: Learn More About Vegan Korean Fish Want to learn morea about the plant-based vegan seafood options? Watch the following YouTube Videos! Join Plant Based Pyeongtaek Would you like to share your plant-based information or would you like to learn from others? Join the following Facebook group. Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAITLanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert. Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities. Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea. Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea. When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains. www.southofseoul.net

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Looking for vegan Korean side dishes? Did you know Korea has a strong tradition of plant-based foods so you have quite a few options? Here are 10 side dishes traditionally made without meat or animal products. Keep in mind, many modern Korean recipes do add meat to some of the following items but you can easily make them yourself in a vegan style without losing flavor. About Korean Side Dishes (Banchan) ‘Banchan’ translates to side dishes in Korean. Typically served family-style in the center of the table, they accompany the main courses and are shared by everyone at the table. Ranging from cold to hot, mild to spicy, Korean side dishes add variety and depth to a vegan meal. For our vegan enthusiasts, here are ten “accidentally vegan” banchan that promise to tantalize your taste buds. Keep in mind, that the following vegan bancan list is not comprehensive. Instead, the list focuses on the most common side dishes found throughout Korea. We also focused on side dishes that have a more subtle flavor profile. With that said, here they are: Regularly Vegan The first vegan banchan recommendations generally do not have fish sauce. These are side dishes that you should be able to eat anywhere (but always double-check). Baek Kimchi (김치) The heart and soul of Korean meals, Kimchi has variations that are vegan-friendly. Omitting fish sauce or shrimp paste doesn’t compromise its iconic flavor. For example, white kimchi is often vegan and available at most stores. Recipe: Baek Kimchi Oi Muchim (오이무침) A refreshingly spicy cucumber salad that adds a delightful crunch to any meal. Recipe: Oi Muchim Sigeumchi Namul (시금치나물) Spinach never tasted so good! A must-try for all green lovers. Recipe: Sigeumchi Namul Mu Saengchae (무생채) Radish gets a spicy makeover in this tantalizing salad. Recipe: Mu Saengchae Miyeok Julgi Bokkeum (미역줄기볶음) A delightful stir-fry that celebrates the unique texture of seaweed stems. Recipe: Miyeok Julgi Bokkeum Doraji Namul (도라지나물) Crunchy bellflower root seasoned to perfection. Recipe: Doraji Namul Vegan At Home Some of the vegan dishes on this list usually include fish sauce when made at restaurants or grocery stores. However, they can easily be vegan at home. We are including these because they are wildly popular side dishes and we want vegans to feel included in enjoying them: Kongnamul Muchim (콩나물무침) Soybean sprouts seasoned to perfection. A simple yet delicious treat! Warning: Restaurants and store versions of this will have fish sauces! Recipe: Kongnamul Muchim Gaji Namul (가지나물) Soft steamed eggplant meets a burst of flavor in this banchan. Warning: Restaurants and store versions of this will have fish sauces! Recipe: Gaji Namul Vegan Japchae (잡채) Glass noodles intermingle with a riot of colorful veggies in this festive dish. Warning: Restaurants and store versions of this will have fish sauces! You might be able to make a special request and pre-order your without meat. Recipe: Vegan Japchae Baechu Geotjeori (배추겉절이) A fresh take on kimchi, this salad is a burst of flavors and textures. Warning: Restaurants and store versions of this will have fish sauces! Recipe: Baechu Geotjeori Where to Purchase Korean Side Dishes While nothing beats homemade banchan, for those short on time or new to Korean cooking, many Korean grocery stores and supermarkets have an array of ready-made banchan. Stores like HomePlus, Emart, Lotte Mart, and neighborhood marts often have a dedicated section for fresh banchan, prepared daily. Additionally, most neighborhoods and traditional markets in Korea have stores dedicated to side dishes. Just remember to always check the ingredient list to ensure they’re vegan. Shopping List for Vegan Korean Side Dishes Want to make these side dishes at home? We want to make this as easy as possible for vegans living in Korea so we compiled a grocery that includes the Korean terms. We’ve broken the list into different categories as well to help you move around the store more smoothly: Vegetables & Fruits Grains & Noodles Seasonings & Sauces Others Optional (For added flavor or variations) Shopping Tips Now that you have your recipe list and ingredients list, here are a few tips for shopping: Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, the world of Korean banchan awaits. From the spicy tang of Kimchi to the delicate flavors of Sigeumchi Namul, there’s a dish to delight every palate. Happy cooking! Join Vegan And Vegetarian Pyeongtaek Looking for localized insight into vegan and vegetarian life in Korea? Join the Vegan and Vegetarian Pyeongtaek Facebook Group. Members share their favorite tips and tricks for living a plant-based lifestyle in Korea. Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAITLanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert. Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities. Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea. Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea. When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains. www.southofseoul.net

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