Veganism Sweeps South Korean University Campuses

Vegan clubs for those who are on a diet that strictly oppose anything that comes from animals, including not only meat, but also eggs and dairy products, are on the rise particularly at universities in Seoul including Yonsei University, the University of Seoul, and Ewha Womans University to name a few. (Image: Yonhap)

SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Korea Bizwire) – Veganism is all the rage at university campuses across South Korea, as more and more young people show interest in animal rights and the environment.

Vegan clubs for those who are on a diet that strictly oppose anything that comes from animals, including not only meat, but also eggs and dairy products, are on the rise particularly at universities in Seoul including Yonsei University, the University of Seoul, and Ewha Womans University to name a few.

Lee Hye-soo, who heads a vegan group at Korea University, promoted the perks of being vegan when asked about the recent egg contamination during an interview with Yonhap News on Sunday.

“Oh, the egg contamination scandal? There are so many other sources of protein than eggs,” Lee said confidently.

Lee says one of the benefits of being vegan is to be relieved when scandals related to meat and dairy products break and send the country into a panic, as sticking to a vegan diet eliminates worries.

Lee’s group, called ‘Ppuri Chim’, a word play in the Korean language that can roughly translate in English as ‘refusal’, is well known for its ‘Veggie Week’, a project suitable for a group of four people in which each member tries a vegan diet for a period of one month.

“Turning one person vegan for a month is good for the environment and other members of the group tend to try vegan food when it’s not their turn, which is also a good way of promoting veganism among people,” Lee said.

While being vegan alone can often be quite difficult and easy to give up on, encouraging each other as a group could see more individuals stay meat and dairy-free.

Veganism is all the rage at university campuses across South Korea, as more and more young people show interest in animal rights and the environment. (Image: Yonhap)

Choi Min-young, who heads another student vegan group called Veggie Meal at Yonsei University, says she was inspired to establish her club after having difficulties being vegan alone.

“I gathered fellow students with the purpose of sharing information and opinions about veganism, instead of struggling on our own,” Choi said.

Choi also says a close link between animal rights and veganism often makes people think of vegans as social activists, giving people the impression that they are hard to approach.

Vegan club leaders like Lee and Choi plan to work together in order to expand their activities and create a network between student vegan groups to call for vegan options at cafeterias and produce vegan related goods. 

Hyunsu Yim (hyunsu@koreabizwire.com)