INDIAN STUDENT’S VEGETARIAN DILEMMA IN SOUTH KOREA

In today’s interconnected world, studying abroad often brings dreams of exploration, cultural exchange, and academic growth. But for one Indian student in South Korea, the adventure took an unexpected turn not in the classroom, but in the kitchen. A heartfelt video she posted online revealed her daily struggle: finding vegetarian food in a country where meat and seafood dominate the menu.

Her simple yet emotional statement “I’m dying because I want to eat bhindi…” resonated with thousands of viewers, particularly vegetarians and vegans living overseas. It wasn’t just about missing ladyfinger; it was about the deeper challenges of maintaining one’s dietary identity in a foreign culture.

The Reality of Vegetarianism in South Korea

South Korea is celebrated for its rich culinary heritage kimchi, bulgogi, samgyeopsal, and seafood stews are staples of daily meals. While these dishes are flavorful and deeply embedded in the culture, vegetarianism is still relatively uncommon. Even dishes that appear vegetarian often contain hidden animal-based ingredients, such as fish sauce, anchovy broth, or meat stock.

For Indian vegetarians, who are accustomed to a diverse array of plant-based meals back home, the transition can be challenging. A quick trip to a Korean restaurant may leave them with only a handful of side dishes like kimchi (which itself can contain seafood paste) or pickled radishes. Grocery stores stock fresh vegetables, but preparing familiar meals requires not only the right ingredients but also time and access to a kitchen—luxuries that many students living in dormitories don’t have.

The Emotional Impact of Food Separation

Food is more than just fuel it’s comfort, culture, and connection. For the Indian student in the viral video, the absence of familiar vegetables like bhindi (okra), lauki (bottle gourd), or fresh coriander wasn’t merely an inconvenience. It was a daily reminder of being far from home.

In her clip, she humorously yet sincerely described her longing for home-cooked meals. Many viewers commented that they had faced similar struggles in countries like Japan, Germany, or the United States before discovering Indian stores or alternative cooking solutions. The video sparked conversations about how dietary differences can contribute to feelings of isolation, culture shock, and even homesickness among international students.

Cultural Gaps in Food Norms

In South Korea, meat is often associated with hospitality and social bonding. Barbecue restaurants, fried chicken gatherings, and seafood feasts are common group activities. Declining meat can sometimes feel socially awkward or even be misunderstood as rejecting the host’s generosity.

This cultural gap makes it even harder for vegetarians to integrate into social life. While global cities like Seoul are beginning to see vegan cafés and plant-based markets, these options remain niche and often expensive. The concept of vegetarianism as a long-term lifestyle choice is still evolving in the Korean public mindset.
Possible Solutions for Vegetarian Students Abroad

Despite these challenges, there are practical ways vegetarian students in South Korea (and similar countries) can adapt:

Explore Local Markets Creatively   While bhindi may not be common, seasonal Korean vegetables like perilla leaves, mushrooms, and zucchini can be turned into delicious Indian-style curries.

Locate International Stores – Cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu have Indian or Southeast Asian grocery stores that stock lentils, spices, and even frozen okra.

Cook in Batches – Students can prepare large quantities of home-style dishes over the weekend and store them for the week.

Join Cultural Food Groups – Social media communities often organize cooking sessions or potluck dinners for homesick students.

Communicate Dietary Needs Clearly – Learning the Korean phrases for “no meat, no fish, no egg” can help in restaurants, though it’s important to double-check ingredients.

A Broader Lesson on Global Mobility

The Indian student’s story is more than a personal food diary it’s a reminder that globalization isn’t just about moving across borders; it’s also about navigating cultural expectations, especially when it comes to something as fundamental as food.

Her experience sheds light on the need for better support networks for international students, from university dining halls offering more plant-based options to cultural orientation programs that address dietary challenges.

As her video continues to circulate, it encourages empathy and sparks dialogue on how to make cross-cultural living more inclusive not just for vegetarians, but for anyone whose lifestyle choices differ from the norm in a foreign land.

Because at the end of the day, whether it’s bhindi in India or kimchi in Korea, food is about belonging and everyone deserves a taste of home, wherever they are.