[Seoul] The 2001 Vegetarian Day
Expo was held at Insa-dong in Seoul by the Korean Vegetarian Union
on September 23, attracting active participation and assistance from
many initiates.
The
event drew attention to the necessity of providing vegetarian meals
in schools and government agencies. Representatives from a number
of organizations voiced their opinions about vegetarianism, noting
that heavy emphasis on the meat-eating culture had obstructed the
younger generation from accepting the vegetarian diet. They also called
for vegetarian meals to be provided in schools and government organizations,
so that the younger generation can come to realize the importance
of the vegetarian diet and respect for life.
In a lecture
on vegetarianism and meditation, a contact person from the Seoul Center
explained the need to observe a vegetarian diet by spiritual practitioners
and everyone else. A representative of the Inchon Urban Ecology Research
Center discussed why vegetarianism is the best solution for the new
generation, while a pastor from the Seventh-day Adventist Church advocated
vegetarianism from the viewpoints of health and spirituality. In addition,
Buddhist monk Juk-Moon--well-known for his Buddhist temple foods--spoke
on modern society and Buddhist temple food, and a representative of
the Korean Vegetarian Union stressed the importance of vegetarian
menus in planning school meals.
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Major local broadcasting
stations MBC and KBS conduct interviews with initiates.
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Local
fellow initiates provided considerable assistance in making the event
possible, serving as master of ceremonies, setting up the audio system,
presenting performances, and coordinating
all arrangements. Guests lined up non-stop to sample vegetarian delicacies
prepared by the VegeLove Co. run by the Seoul Center. With the dedicated
support and work of local initiates, VegeLove easily attracted the
largest number of guests and the attention of major broadcasting stations,
such as KBS and MBC, which interviewed several fellow practitioners.
The event
generated widespread interest in vegetarianism, and many had the blessing
of receiving Master's sample booklets and the opportunity for physical
and spiritual elevation.
