The Korea Tourism Organization has unveiled South Korea’s first-ever vegan food tour. This pioneering initiative, set to launch in September 2024, reflects a significant uptick in plant-based lifestyle adoption within the country and signals a broader trend across Asia towards plant-based eating.

Spanning nine days, the tour promises an immersive journey through South Korea’s major cities—Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. Participants will have the unique opportunity to explore traditional plant-based Korean cuisine through restaurant visits and cooking classes. Operated by Green Earth Travel, known for its vegan tours in Cambodia, Nepal, and Bali, this initiative aims to cater to the growing global community of eco-conscious travelers.

Donna Zeigfinger, founder of Green Earth Travel, notes the shifting culinary landscape in South Korea, traditionally known for its meat-centric dishes. The recent surge in veganism’s popularity has opened up new avenues for culinary innovation and sustainability, underscoring a significant transformation in consumer preferences and lifestyle choices.

This tour aligns with South Korea’s broader commitment to sustainability and the burgeoning interest in plant-based proteins. The country’s proactive stance is evidenced by its national plan to enhance the plant-based industry, announced last October. South Korea’s strategy includes establishing a research center for alternative proteins and promoting domestic agricultural products in plant-based foods, alongside support for exporting such products. Despite facing regulatory challenges, the plant-based food market in South Korea is on a robust growth trajectory, expanding by more than 10% annually.

The rise of plant-based eating in South Korea is part of a larger narrative across Asia. Countries like China and India are also witnessing a growing demand for plant-based foods, driven by health consciousness, environmental concerns, and culinary innovation. According to Nutritional Outlook. “The market for plant-based foods, however, is expanding in the Asia Pacific region right now. In 2022, investment in the APAC plant-based food industry increased by 30%, reaching a valuation of about $372 million.”

South Korea’s vegan food tour not only celebrates the country’s culinary heritage but also its forward-thinking approach to food sustainability. It stands as a testament to Asia’s dynamic role in the global movement towards more ethical and sustainable food choices, promising a delicious and innovative future for plant-based cuisine.

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