South Korea has a unique food culture that evolved with the country's agricultural history (Kim et al.). The diverse ingredients and cooking methods include a variety of grains, vegetables, meats, herbs, and seasoning. Historically, cattle farming symbolized wealth and prosperity, contributing to a cultural appreciation for beef (though pork remains the most consumed meat in South Korea). As the economy started prospering beginning in the 1960s, more Koreans began enjoying meat as source of protein, taste, and social status.
Though vegan and vegetarian diets have gained traction in South Korea, they are not especially common. The original Korean title of Han's novel is Ch'aesikjuuija, which translates to "a person who eats vegetables" or "eater of plants." Yeong-hye is technically vegan since she also avoids animal products such as dairy and leather. Once she adopts this diet, those around her immediately question her sanity. While this cannot be taken as a definitive portrait of veganism in South Korea, it does provide a snapshot into how this diet might be viewed in South Korea in 2007 (when the book was written).
