Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Viaje]

I am middle-aged and have come to have to pay attention to how I eat, and also to avoid drinking and stuff that I could tolerate better before. I'm thinking that Korea is full of drinking and eating all kinds of stuff I'm not eating now. Is anyone a vegetarian and how do you get along. I heard even the kimchi is laced with fish paste, and most meals are either fish or meat, etc.

[Kaypea]

I have pretty much cut out drinking. It's not hard, really. I also eat well, although I am not a vegetarian. Yes, there is fish in Kimchi. Why are you a strict vegetarian? I think there are some who may be able to help you, but maybe you don't need to be a strict vegetarian... ?

[OhioPBJ]

There are already a few threads on here about this subject. Not trying to be a dick, but people have already posted a lot of valuable information on the subject.

I was a vegetarian before I came here but shortly found myself eating meat (I'm allergic to most seafood so my options were quite limited).

If you are on facebook, there's a group called something like "Seoul Veggie Club" that usually dines together maybe 2 times a month. They also have a small list of vegetarian restaurants in and around Seoul.

My suggestion to you, if you choose to not eat seafood, is to cook most of your meals at home. E-mart has a decent selection of items and recently I've found that they started carrying frozen soy balls and cutlets.

Good luck!

[D.D.]

I was a vegetarian before I came to Korea for 15 years. Just to get by hereI have had to eat eggs, chicken and fish.

With adding that to my diet I still have many days when the luches at school have little for me to eat.

I have gone from a chicken hater to someone who prays they will have chicken on the lunch menu.

[oni]

Don't let the above posters discourage you!!
I've been vegan in Korea and haven't found it difficult.
I guess if you work at a school that provides meals it could be a problem.
But there are a lot of restaurants around where you can get veg food.
There is an active Vegetarian group based in Seoul which is friendly and helpful. "Seoul Veggie group" on Facebook.
I guess you have read things about vegetarianism and the health benefits that it offers.
Good luck!