I am sure some of you don't eat pork. You can use instead: chicken, beef(ground also good), tuna or keep it meatless and use mushrooms as a sub. Most authentic recipe I would say uses pork belly, but you are more than welcome to use whatever is your personal preference. I like adding the pork, and smoked sausages or smoked bacon. It adds so much more flavor. If you are using anything other then bacon/pork belly, know that the cooking time will increase. Mushrooms are so healthy if you have any add them to this stew. As for Tofu, you can use soft or firm, it's up to your likes, you will not go wrong either way, but it is optional. Also, you can add gochujang (hot pepper paste) and/or gochugaru (hot pepper powder/flakes) half the measurement that I added in the recipe if you cannot handle or tolerate spicy food. OR simply add a little bit at the time until you reach what you like.