My Vegan Travel Experience in South Korea

We arrived at a beautiful temple about two hours from Seoul, and I was immediately struck by the iconic rooflines that you often see in films—it was incredible. There, we had the opportunity to meet Jeong Kwan, a renowned Buddhist nun featured in the Netflix series Chef’s Table. She spoke to us through a translator about what vegan food truly means in temple life.

By this point, we had already spent a week adhering to a strict vegan diet, but what she shared was profound. Jeong Kwan explained that temple veganism is different. First, it starts with the farmers, who plant and cultivate the ingredients with care and love. Then, the food is prepared together as a family, and finally, it is consumed mindfully. Interestingly, they avoid using onions and garlic, which are considered too pungent and not conducive to proper meditation.

Later, we joined the community in preparing kimchi outdoors, feeling like one big family. The meal experience itself was unique. It was self-serve, with simple instructions: enter, take only what you will eat, sit down, eat in silence, and avoid speaking to anyone. We were encouraged to appreciate the meal, then stand up, dispose of any leftovers, wash our dishes, and leave.

I loved every part of it! The best part is that you don’t even realize you’re eating vegan food. The dishes are always colorful and beautifully presented, with rich textures—everything is plant-based, from acorns to seaweed pizza. Even the drinks are carefully processed. It’s a truly unique experience, perfect for new, intermediate, and seasoned vegan travelers alike.

Let me know if I can help you plan a similar itinerary soon!