Korea might be famous for its barbecue and seafood dishes, but did you know that many traditional Korean foods are naturally vegan or vegetarian?
Rooted in Buddhist temple cuisine and seasonal ingredients, Korean food offers plenty of plant-based dishes that are both healthy and delicious.
Here’s your essential guide to enjoying vegan and vegetarian food in Korea — from traditional temple meals to modern Seoul cafés.
1. The Roots of Vegan Cuisine in Korea
Long before the word “vegan” became popular, Korean temples practiced “sachal eumsik (사찰음식)” — Buddhist temple food.
These meals avoid all animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, and even garlic or onions.
Instead, they focus on balance, simplicity, and respect for nature.
This philosophy still influences many Korean dishes today — meaning you’ll find vegan-friendly food even outside temples.
2. Naturally Vegan-Friendly Korean Dishes
Here are some classic Korean dishes that are vegan (or easily modified):
- Bibimbap (비빔밥): Ask for no egg and no meat — filled with vegetables, rice, and gochujang sauce.
- Kimbap (김밥): Order “yachae kimbap (야채김밥)”, meaning vegetable rolls.
- Japchae (잡채): Glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables — ask for no meat or fish sauce.
- Dubu Jorim (두부조림): Braised tofu in soy sauce — flavorful and protein-rich.
- Gamja Jorim (감자조림): Soy-braised potatoes — a sweet and savory side dish.
- Namul (나물): Lightly seasoned vegetables like spinach, bean sprouts, and fernbrake.
- Kimchi (김치): Traditionally includes fish sauce, so ask for “saeujeot eopsi (without shrimp paste)” or look for vegan kimchi.
💡 Tip: Most Buddhist temple restaurants use vegan kimchi automatically!
3. Korean Temple Food Experience
If you want a peaceful vegan meal, visit a Buddhist temple restaurant or join a temple stay program.
Meals are beautifully presented, made from seasonal ingredients, and eaten in silence to appreciate nature.
📍 Recommended places:
- Balwoo Gongyang (발우공양) – near Jogyesa Temple, Seoul
- Sanchon (산촌) – in Insa-dong, offers temple-style set menus
- Bongnyeongsa Temple Stay (봉녕사) – Suwon area
4. Vegan Restaurants in Seoul
Korea’s capital has embraced the vegan trend with creative plant-based cafés and restaurants.
🌿 Top Picks:
- Plant Café Seoul (이태원): Western-style vegan burgers, bowls, and desserts.
- Loving Hut (사당/강남): Affordable vegan Korean meals.
- Vegetus (이태원): Cozy brunch café with vegan pasta and salads.
- Oh Se Gae Hyang (오세계향, Insadong): Vegan Korean-Chinese fusion cuisine.
- A Flower Blossom on the Rice (꽃밥에피다): Elegant vegan bibimbap and temple-style dishes.
5. Grocery Shopping for Vegans
Many supermarkets and convenience stores now carry vegan-friendly products, such as:
- Soy milk (두유, duyu)
- Vegan instant noodles (비건 라면)
- Tofu snacks, rice cakes, and seaweed wraps
💡 Where to shop:
- Emart, Lotte Mart, Olive Young (for snacks)
- iHerb Korea or Coupang for vegan imported goods
6. How to Say “I’m Vegan” in Korean
Here are some simple phrases to help you explain your diet:
| English | Korean | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| I don’t eat meat. | 고기를 안 먹어요. | Gogireul an meogeoyo. |
| I’m vegetarian. | 저는 채식주의자예요. | Jeoneun chaesikjuuijayeoyo. |
| I don’t eat fish or seafood. | 생선이나 해산물은 안 먹어요. | Saengseonina haesanmureun an meogeoyo. |
| No egg, please. | 계란 빼주세요. | Gyeran bbae juseyo. |
| No meat, please. | 고기 빼주세요. | Gogi bbae juseyo. |
💡 Tip: Showing the Korean sentence on your phone can help a lot — staff will understand right away.
7. Avoid These Hidden Ingredients
Even dishes that look vegan may contain:
- Fish sauce (액젓, aekjeot)
- Anchovy broth (멸치육수, myeolchi yuksu)
- Eggs (계란, gyeran)
- Shrimp paste (새우젓, saeujeot)
If unsure, politely say:
“이거 고기 들어가요? (Does this have meat?)”
8. Vegan Street Food in Korea
Yes, even street food has vegan options!
Try:
- Hotteok (호떡): Sweet syrup-filled pancake (check if no honey or butter).
- Vegetable Twigim (튀김): Fried vegetables.
- Potato Tornado (회오리감자): Spiral potato on a stick.
- Sweet rice donuts (찹쌀도넛) — found at traditional markets.
💡 Best places: Gwangjang Market, Namdaemun Market, and Myeongdong Food Street.
9. Apps & Communities for Vegan Travelers
Stay connected with local vegan communities:
- HappyCow: Find vegan-friendly restaurants in Korea.
- KakaoTalk group “Vegan Korea” — locals share recommendations.
- Instagram: Search #VeganKorea or #채식식당 for updates.
10. Enjoying Vegan Food in Korea
Being vegan in Korea is easier than ever — it’s all about knowing where to go and what to ask for.
From temple food to trendy cafés, Korean cuisine offers endless plant-based possibilities that connect culture, flavor, and compassion.
So take your chopsticks, say “고기 빼주세요 (No meat, please),” and enjoy your meal with peace of mind.KR✨
Created by Visit Korea Tips — Your local guide to traveling Korea.
