2023 Initiative: Plant-Based Living in Korea

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Welcome to the South of Seoul Plant-Based Food Initiative! Our mission is to inform and empower international residents living in South Korea with information, awareness, and accessibility to plant-based foods. Dive in to discover what we’re all about and how you can get involved.

Our Vision

The South of Seoul “Plant-Based Living in Korea” Initiative aims to improve English language access to plant-based living information. Additionally, we aim to cultivate a community that thrives on inclusivity, knowledge, and shared passion for sustainable food. Our objective is clear: celebrate the plant-based richness of South Korea while fostering a global community that resonates with these values.

Who Can Get Involved

All people interested in eating more plant-based foods are welcome to join the conversation and share information. You don’t need to be a committed vegan or vegetarian, I’m sure not.

Meaning of Plant-Based Living

“Plant-based living” is a term that has been gaining traction in recent years. At its core, plant-based living embodies a lifestyle that prioritizes the consumption of plant-derived foods and minimizes or excludes animal-derived products. However, plant-based living exists as more than a dietary choice; it’s a holistic approach to health, environmental responsibility, and often, ethical considerations.

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Plant-based living represents a conscious choice to promote personal health, protect the environment, and often, uphold ethical values regarding animal welfare. Like any lifestyle, the degree to which one follows plant-based living can vary. Some might fully commit, while others might adopt certain aspects. Regardless of the approach, the rise of plant-based living indicates a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of our health, the foods we consume, and the world around us. This means it includes vegans, vegetarians, and those who want to increase their plant-based consumption.

Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key points many plant-curious people consider:

Dietary Aspects

  • Whole Foods Focus: The primary emphasis is on whole, unprocessed or minimally processed foods derived from plants. This includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds.
  • Exclusion or Minimization of Animal Products: Those following a strict plant-based diet avoid all animal-derived products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. Some might include limited amounts of these products, but the emphasis remains on plant-derived foods.
  • Natural and Organic Preference: Many adherents of plant-based living prioritize organic produce to avoid pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Health Benefits

  • Nutrient-Rich Diet: A plant-based diet is often rich in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
  • Chronic Disease Prevention: Numerous studies have linked plant-based diets to a lower risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
  • Weight Management: Due to the high fiber and low saturated fat content of many plant-based foods, individuals might find it easier to maintain a healthy weight.

Environmental Implications

  • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing plant-derived foods, one can reduce their carbon footprint.
  • Conservation of Resources: Producing plant-based foods typically requires fewer resources like water, land, and energy compared to animal-based foods.
  • Biodiversity Protection: Shifting away from intensive animal farming can help reduce deforestation and habitat destruction, preserving biodiversity.

Ethical Considerations

  • Animal Welfare: Many people choose plant-based living to avoid contributing to the often inhumane treatment of animals in industrial farming systems.
  • Fair Trade and Sustainable Farming: Some individuals extend their ethical considerations to support fair trade practices and sustainable farming, ensuring that workers are treated fairly and ecosystems are maintained.

What We Want to Do with the Initiative

The South of Seoul plant-based initiative would like to foster inclusivity & accessibility:

Collaborative Spirit

We want to foster collaboration. From local farmers nurturing organic produce to vegan influencers echoing the plant-based movement, we seek partnerships that amplify our mission. If you resonate with this spirit, come, and collaborate with us.

Embracing Sustainability

For us, it’s more than just food. We want to prioritize eco-friendly ingredients or advocate for sustainable consumption practices, our narrative is clear: Eat well, live responsibly.

Evolving Together

Your voice matters. We would love to share your stories and recommendations for living plant based in South Korea.

Our Invitation

Are you ready to be a part of this journey? Volunteer with us and help bring this vision to life!

Plant-Based Initiative Articles

Thank you to everyone who shared information about plant based living in Korea:

Plant-Based Vegan Seafood Options in Korea

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…

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