Are Many Koreans Vegan? Exploring the Plant-Based Movement in Korea

January 14, 2026 •

3 min read

As of early 2025, approximately 5% of the South Korean population, including flexitarians, identifies with a plant-based diet, indicating a significant rise in interest. This rapid shift in diet prompts many to ask, "Are many Koreans vegan?" and underscores a growing movement influenced by health, environmental concerns, and animal welfare.

Quick Summary

The vegan and plant-based population in South Korea is increasing, though strict vegans are still a small group. A rise in flexitarians and plant-based options reflects changing consumer interest in healthier, more sustainable diets.

Key Points

Growing Trend: The plant-based population in South Korea is increasing, driven by health, environment, and animal welfare concerns.
Flexitarianism Dominates: A large portion of the shift is towards flexitarianism rather than strict veganism.
Challenges Exist: Vegans may encounter challenges with hidden animal ingredients, social dynamics, and accessibility outside of major cities.
Market Expansion: The plant-based market is growing rapidly with new products and restaurants.
Traditional Roots: Veganism has historical ties to Korean Buddhist temple food.
Generational Shift: The MZ generation is a key driver of this trend due to their focus on sustainability and ethics.

The Shifting Landscape of Korean Dietary Habits

While traditionally not known as a vegan-friendly nation due to its reliance on meat and seafood, South Korea is seeing a significant change. The plant-based movement is gaining traction, propelled by concerns for health, animal welfare, and the environment. The younger 'MZ' generation is particularly influential in driving this trend and market demand for plant-based alternatives. Statistics confirm a substantial increase in the plant-based population and a booming related market.

Veganism Versus Flexitarianism: The Korean Context

It's important to differentiate between strict veganism and the broader plant-based movement in Korea. While the number of strict vegans is rising, a larger segment follows flexitarian or semi-vegetarian diets.

Strict vegans: A small but growing minority completely avoids animal products.
Flexitarians and plant-based curious: This larger group frequently includes plant-based meals while occasionally consuming animal products. Estimates from 2020 indicated up to 10 million flexitarians, representing almost 20% of the population.

This shows that while strict veganism is not yet mainstream, the plant-based community is sizable and expanding.

Challenges for Vegans in Korea

Despite increasing options, following a vegan diet in South Korea, especially outside major urban areas, can present difficulties.

Hidden animal ingredients: Many traditional dishes may contain non-vegan elements, such as fermented shrimp or fish sauce in kimchi and seafood bases in stews. Identifying these requires careful questioning.
Social pressure: Korea's emphasis on communal dining can make it challenging to maintain a strict vegan diet in social situations.
Accessibility and cost: While vegan options are becoming more common, particularly in Seoul, they can be more expensive and less available in smaller towns.

The Rise of the Plant-Based Market and Solutions

South Korea's plant-based market is rapidly expanding to meet growing demand. Food manufacturers are investing significantly in developing vegan products. The market for plant-based alternatives is thriving, with companies launching dedicated vegan brands. Plant-based options are increasingly available in retail, and the number of vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants is growing, especially in major cities.

Traditional and Modern Vegan Korean Cuisine

Traditional Korean cuisine includes plant-based practices, notably in Buddhist temple food, which is naturally vegan and rich in plant-based ingredients. This historical aspect supports the modern trend.


Traditional vs. Modern Vegan Dining in Korea	Feature	Traditional Vegan (Temple Food)	Modern Vegan (Urban Restaurants)
Focus	Spiritual practice, natural flavors, seasonal ingredients.	Contemporary food trends, diverse influences, meat alternatives.
Ingredients	Vegetables, wild herbs, fermented pastes, mushrooms, rice, tofu. No pungent spices (garlic, onion).	Diverse ingredients, including commercial plant-based meats, alternative milks, and international spices.
Availability	Primarily found in temple restaurants or specific culinary experiences.	Widely available in Seoul and other large cities, from fine dining to fast food.
Cost	Varies, but often a curated, moderately priced experience.	Can be higher, particularly for specialized products and imported alternatives.
Social Aspect	Quiet, respectful, often a solitary or small group experience.	Social, trendy, often associated with a modern lifestyle and MZ generation.

Conclusion

Although strict vegans represent a minority, the plant-based movement is rapidly growing in South Korea. Factors like increasing flexitarianism, better accessibility, and corporate investment are fueling this significant dietary change. Influenced by both historical culinary practices and contemporary values, this trend points towards a future for Korean cuisine that is more focused on plant-based options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, veganism and the broader plant-based food movement have become a notable trend in South Korea, particularly in recent years, driven by the younger generation and increased health and environmental awareness.

While estimates vary, the number of people identifying with some form of plant-based diet has grown significantly. Some reports suggest that as of 2025, around 5% of the population, including flexitarians, identify with a plant-based diet.

It is becoming easier, especially in major cities like Seoul and Busan, where there are more dedicated vegan restaurants and market options. However, outside these areas, and in traditional dining, it can be challenging due to hidden animal ingredients in many dishes.

Yes, traditional Korean cuisine, especially Buddhist temple food, is inherently vegan. Many Korean side dishes (banchan) are also plant-based, though care must be taken as some, like kimchi, may contain fish or shrimp sauce.

Common hidden animal products include fermented shrimp or fish sauce in kimchi, seafood broth bases in many soups and stews, and sometimes ham or eggs in supposedly vegetable-only dishes like gimbap.

The younger MZ generation is more aware of global issues, including animal welfare and environmental sustainability. They are also more conscious of health, and celebrity endorsements of a vegan lifestyle further influence their dietary choices.

Yes, major food companies in South Korea are heavily investing in and producing a wide array of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, which are increasingly available in supermarkets and convenience stores.