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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(Updated July 2023) Do you live in Pyeongtaek and love cooking and need to find some global marts? These international groceries will make your life delicious. About Global Food Marts Sometimes you need something special that isn’t found in Korean cooking, when this happens head to one of the many local international grocery stores. You will easily find the ingredients for food from countries such as China, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, India, Russia, and Uzbek. 10+ World Marts to Try Across Pyeongtaek This list is not comprehensive, there are far more international groceries spread across Pyeongtaek, Osan, Asan, and Anseong. However, this list should get you started on your international food shopping journey. We will keep updating this list as more international groceries in Pyeongtaek are added to the South of Seoul app. Seojeong, Sinjang, Seotan, Jisan-dong Near Osan Air Force Base Jinwi Not Far From Osan Air Force Base Tongbok-Dong 10-Minute Walk From AK Plaza Paengseong Near Camp Humphreys Anjung Near-ish Camp Humphreys Dunpo, Asan Near Camp Humphreys These technically aren’t in Pyeongtaek but they are still very close to the Southern border of Pyeongtaek and it’s the closest international grocery shopping area to Camp Humphreys. More Shopping Blogs Want to know more about grocery shopping in South Korea? Read these blog posts. Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Feeling Homesick in the Pandemic As a Native Hawaiian in Korea, especially during a pandemic, it is easy to feel homesick. Like Hawai’i, Korea has beautiful beaches, humid summers, and centuries-old knowledge of fishing and farming. While I admire these commonalities, the easiest way to feel closer to home is to eat ‘ono (delicious) dishes that remind me of my ‘ohana (family). Food, Hawai’i, and History Food is also my favorite way to share a culture, especially when it comes to local cuisine in Hawai’i. Notice that I didn’t say “Hawaiian food” since many flavors that have long been associated with Hawai’i come from pivotal moments in history, such as the sugar plantation era and World War II. In fact, while almost every restaurant outside of Hawai’i with a Hawaiian theme or menu item includes pineapples, the pineapple itself is not indigenous to Hawai’i. About This Post In this blog, I’ve included a few sweet and savory dishes that can be found in Hawai’i, with recommendations for places to shop for ingredients near Pyeongtaek. I’ve included links for recipes since I tend to cook by memory these days. I’ve also included possible substitutions. Finding Groceries for Food From Hawai’i in Pyeongtaek Korea has an exceptional source of fresh vegetables in every grocery store and street market. I tend to buy most of my vegetables from 한샘 할인 마트 (Hanssem Discount Mart) in Asan Techno Valley or Joy Mart in Pyeongtaek. Hanssem Discount Mart also has an extensive meat and seafood section but Tong Bok Market in Pyeongtaek also has fresh fish and produce. These are my top recommendations for grocery shopping near Pyeongtaek. For my Camp Humphreys community, I have found most of the ingredients for these recipes in the commissary. Shopping Options Appetizers from Hawai’i 1) Shoyu Ahi Poke Possible Substitutions While in Korea Poke has so many variations so if you can’t find a specific ingredient, feel free to experiment with fresh ingredients that you like. You may use this recipe for octopus, shrimp, muscles, or almost any seafood, as long as it’s boneless. My husband prefers spicy poke, so instead of shoyu, I add mayonnaise, preferably Kewpie, and Sriracha ketchup. Personally, I prefer adding avocado, tomatoes, and flying fish roe to my poke, rather than any other garnish. The Humphreys Commissary carries all of these ingredients, except that they have frozen, rather than fresh, albacore tuna steaks, round onions, rather than Maui, and you’ll have to go with macadamia nuts, rather than kukui. Korean marts have many raw fish alternatives. This may be a helpful reference for Translations of Korean Raw Fish. If you’re like me and you prefer to add fish eggs as a garnish, Hanssem Discount Mart keeps them in the island freezers in their seafood section. 2) Lomi Salmon Possible Substitutions While in Korea You could also use salted or smoked salmon instead of fresh salmon and salt. Entrees from Hawai’i 1) Kalua Pig, Kalua Pig is usually cooked in an imu or underground oven, can also be made in a slow cooker or instant pot. You really only need 3 ingredients – Pork butt, liquid smoke, and Hawaiian, Himalayan, or sea salt. Using a pointy kitchen utensil, like a small knife or ice pick, poke a couple of holes into each side of the pork butt. Massage salt and liquid smoke onto the meat. Set the slow cooker on low for 16 hours, which is preferable, or high for 8 hours. If you’re using an Instant pot, cut pork butt in half, and brown each side on SAUTE setting with a tablespoon of oil. Then add 1/2 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of liquid smoke, seal instant pot, and set to cook for 90 minutes. I will often add shredded cabbage, after I have released the pressure, leaving the instant pot on WARM setting, and sealing the lid for another 5 minutes. I make this dish often, the real challenge is, where to find liquid smoke if you don’t have access to the commissary? I have found it on both Amazon and Coupang. 2) Shoyu Chicken Care of Sean Na’auao, award-winning musician and cook. His recipe can be found here. Here is a video of another version just in case you need some visuals. Dessert from Hawai’i Haupia OR Haupia Sweet Potato Pie If you only want to make Haupia, which is like a coconut pudding, see the Haupia topping section of this recipe. Otherwise, Korea often has sweet potatoes that can replace Okinawan sweet potatoes. Unfortunately, the Hawaiian staple, poi, is not easy to find on Korea. A friend of mine once sent me powdered poi, which was okay but I wouldn’t recommend it. Most local restaurants in Hawai’i will offer rice as a substitute for poi and since Korea has many variations of rice, this may be a great way to merge these culinary cultures. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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