[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] As value consumption, centered on the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z), has recently spread and led to a 'vegan' craze, the hotel industry has begun targeting the domestic 'Veganism' market.
With increased interest in health and sustainability due to COVID-19, the vegan market is showing remarkable growth. According to a survey by the Korea Vegetarian Union last August, the domestic vegan population is expected to reach 2.5 million this year. It has continuously increased more than tenfold from 150,000 in 2008 to 2 million last year. Hotels plan to integrate 'veganomics' as part of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management by developing vegan menus and collaborating with vegan brands to provide sustainable services.
Kolon-affiliated hotels and resorts have introduced vegan menus at each hotel as part of ESG management to practice low carbon emissions. Kolon Hotel in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk Province, offers five vegan dishes using vegetables instead of meat for breakfast, including grilled mushrooms (shiitake and king oyster), steamed corn, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin, and herb salt green bean king oyster mushroom grill. At the restaurant 'Panorama,' guests can enjoy 'Tomato Vegan Bingsu' topped with tomatoes.
Kolon Sea Cloud Hotel also offers vegan breakfast menus that even customers new to veganism can enjoy without burden. Vegan Korean dishes such as seasoned vegetables, stir-fried mushrooms, cold cucumber salad, and seasoned eggplant tofu stew are prepared so anyone can experience them without discomfort.
Geumgangsong Ecolium in Uljin-gun, Gyeongbuk Province, provides vegan-style dinner and breakfast. Dinner includes nut porridge and seasonal wild greens such as chwinamul, chamnamul, and mung bean sprouts. Breakfast offers multigrain rice, perilla seed seaweed soup, perilla leaf kimchi, and seaweed salad.
The Shilla Seoul Hotel offers an 'Urban Wellness' package until the 14th of next month, allowing guests to enjoy a healthy vegan lifestyle through exercise and vegan diets. Guests can experience personal training at the fitness center and enjoy vegan dishes such as green salad and vegetable rice bowl prepared with the hotel chef's recipes via room service. The vegan room service consists of ▲green salad with flaxseed oil ▲vegetable rice bowl topped with stir-fried asparagus, bamboo shoots, and donggo mushrooms ▲one glass of 'low-cholesterol juice' made from celery, carrot, and apple or the 'chef's recommended seasonal juice of the day.' For lacto-vegetarians who allow dairy products, a 'Vitamin Energy Booster' drink made with various fruits, almonds, and organic milk is also available.
Hotel Cappuccino Seoul has introduced eco-friendly vegan amenities in all rooms in line with the MZ generation's vegan beauty trend. Hand wash, shampoo, and body wash have been replaced with large-capacity, reusable dispenser-type amenities from 'Geneva Green,' which are vegan-certified, encouraging customers' 'good consumption.' These products use containers made from 100% recycled plastic, providing an opportunity to participate in 'zero waste.' Until the 15th, the hotel also offers a 'CSV Cappuccino Box' package in collaboration with the zero waste daily goods brand 'Earth Box,' allowing guests to practice environmental protection. The bathroom kit includes bamboo toothbrushes, konjac mousse shower balls, and natural loofah soap holders.
Courtyard Marriott Seoul Times Square has prepared a 'Beauty in the City' package in collaboration with vegan and popular beauty brands. It offers the Tamanu Oil Mask Pack from the vegan beauty brand 'Tree & C,' the Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm from 'Gahi,' and a five-piece travel kit from 'Lucis,' proposing a healthy 'beauty vacation' that also considers the environment. The stay period is available until the 30th of next month.
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