Vegan South Korea: Packing List + Guide to Moving to Korea

A quick blog for vegans and vegetarians to help prepare you for your move to South Korea! My vegan packing list for Korea, what I wish I brought to Korea, things you can buy here, and a few vegan Korea tips!

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(My) Vegan Packing List

• Coconut oil
• Organic Sunflower Butter
• Nutritional yeast
• Vitamins: vitamin D, probiotics, vitamin B12, ashwagandha, women’s multivitamin, and omega-3 plant
• Spices: Himalayan pink salt, pepper, cinnamon, basil, oregano, and garlic powder

You can find coconut oil, vitamins, and spices here. When you arrive you will be confused, lost, and jet-legged for a couple of weeks. I think it’s best to arrive with (at least) a month’s worth of your go-to items. Vitamins will help combat air quality and adjustment. Spices give you the freedom to start cooking upon arrival. I went right to the market and bought some rice and vegetables and didn’t have to worry about searching for spices.

Things I Wish I Brought

• Chalula hot sauce (my favorite hot sauce)
• More organic nut butters
• Cliff bars/protein snack bars/SNACKS!

I have yet to find delicious vegan snack bars or protein bars. Although, it’s possible to make your own. There are nuts, seeds, and dried fruit at the grocery stores. Luckily, there are Oreos and skippy peanut butter (at Costco) in Korea.

Related article: My Favorite Vegan Products

Things You Can Buy Here

• Fruits and vegetables
• Rice, noodles, quinoa
• Marinara sauce
• Plant based milks ($$)
• Tofu + tempeh (cheap!)
• Peanut Butter ($$)
• Condiments like ketchup, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, BBQ sauce and hot sauce

Vegan Tips

• There is a Costco (bring your membership card with you!)
• Use Iherb (click for 10% off) to order supplements (or there is a GNC at Shinsegae Centum City Mall.)
• Buy fruits and vegetables on the side of the road or at the local market.
• Shop at Emart and HomePlus for large quantity items and sauces.
• Download “Learn Korean” app and save go-to phrases like “I am vegetarian” and “no meat please” for going out to restaurants.
• Check out Happy Cow for vegan restaurants!

Is it Possible to Be Vegan in South Korea?

Yes, BUT it would be very challenging and isolating to be 100% vegan. I live in Busan, South Korea. The vegan bug has not bit Busan yet. There is fish oil and meat broth in (probably) everything. I cook (mostly) vegan at home and try my best to order vegetarian when I go out to restaurants. There may be chunks of meat, egg, or fish in your “vegetarian” meal. This is the reality.

BUT after 6 months in Busan, I’ve found quite a few vegan hidden treasures in Busan! Here is my list of BEST vegan restaurants in Busan!

My advice is to settle in, make friends, enjoy your surroundings, and don’t stress about being perfect. Just by making small efforts, you are making a difference.

xoxo

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What countries have you found it hardest to find vegan and vegetarian options? Do you have anymore vegan tips for Busan? (comment below!)

More help for getting settled in Korea: FAQ Teaching and Living in Korea

For vegan guides to other cities click here.