If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you might have a hard time ordering food in Korea. The concept is still alien to much of the country, who may assume that fish and poultry don’t count as meat or that “just a little” would be acceptable. Our Bellevue Korean restaurant, however, is mindful of the meatless sensibility, and we’re pleased to offer a selection of vegetarian options that are clearly marked on our menu.

In truth, vegetarianism is a Korean tradition that goes back hundreds of years. It first came to the country as part of the Buddhist philosophy, which encourages respect for all living things. For a time, the consumption of meat was actually forbidden throughout Korea. Necessity and Mongol influences gradually brought the practice back, giving us the worldwide favorites of Korean barbeque, but the Buddhist influence remains very much evident in the vegetable-heavy diet favored in Korea today.