Sure, I Would Love to Live a Natural Life: Gwangju’s Vegetarian Buffet
Written and photographed by Wilson Melbostad
Yes! It’s true. As the title of this monthly column indicates, Gwangju does indeed eat. But let’s focus our gaze on a perhaps more pressing matter: Does Gwangju eat meat? Being vegetarian or vegan in the meat-filled hills of Korea could be compared to trying to stay dry in a shower: It is certainly possible (I’ve done so myself), but one must exert superhuman strength to do so. Thus, unless you are from the fictional kingdom of Wakanda, finding a nice guilt-free vegan meal in Gwangju might be a little bit of a challenge. Fortunately, this column serves as a mechanism to bridge the gap between you (the reader) and the otherwise seemingly impossible. I want to let you all in on the well-kept secret of the vegetarian buffet.
The official name of this wondrous establishment is Jayeon Saenghwal (자연 생활), or “Natural Life.” Although the buffet’s facilities don’t provide opportunities to frolic about in the forest, practicing hunting and gathering techniques, visitors can still pursue a rather natural version of themselves while chowing down on completely organic and vegan goodness. The buffet is located near the Asia Culture Center just a street over from Art Street and a stone’s throw (though please don’t throw stones) from Chonnam Girls’ High School. Accessing the restaurant is made easier by the large Tower of Sauron-like green signpost reading “Chaesik Buffet” (채식부페) and sitting out in front of the parking lot. There is also a mansion across the street that ironically belongs to one of Gwangju’s biggest meat-selling moguls of the 1970s and 1980s.
Once you walk into the buffet, on your right you’ll see a cool assortment of health products stacked high to the ceiling. Walk past the register at the front (you pay at the end), and feel free to set your stuff down at any of the open tables. Once you’re situated, you can grab your plates and utensils and gather all the herbivore-compatible food products your heart desires. The buffet line-up includes some of the Korean staples like assorted kimchi and jeon (looks like a pancake), but for the most part the buffet includes rarely seen items like beans, sweet and sour tofu, pumpkin, corn, and fresh fruit. As the restaurant does operate as a buffet, all buffet rules apply. In other words, don’t feel guilty for going back for seconds (or thirds, or fourths, or… you get the idea).
Once you finish your meal, be sure to take your used dishes to the back sink where you line up your plates cafeteria style. Also, don’t forget to give a nice thank you to the cooks and dishwashing staff, and make a pit stop at the cash register to also give your thanks in the form of some currency. The prices are fairly affordable as far as buffets go: 10,000 won for adults and 5,000 won for children (is Generation Z into veganism?). Overall, I can’t recommend this place enough. If you’re looking for a healthier stop or just a break from the aggressive fermentation of Korean food, then look no further than Jayeon Saenghwal. Your inner natural life will be glad you did.
Jayeon Saenghwal 자연생활뷔페
Address: Seoseok-ro 85-beongil 12, Dong-gu, Gwangju 광주 동구 서석로 85번길 12
Telephone: 062-228-0485
Opening Hours: Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Dinner: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
closed every Friday and Saturday
Price: 5,000 won (children), 10,000 won (adults)
the Author
Wilson Melbostad is an international human rights attorney hailing from San Francisco, California. Wilson has returned to Gwangju to undertake his newest project: The Organization for Migrant Legal Aid (OMLA), which operates out of the Gwangju International Center.