What to Eat in Korea as a Vegan or Vegetarian

Korea is famous for Korean BBQ. As a vegetarian or vegan, you might wonder whether you’ll find anything to eat in Korea at all. Many dishes contain meat, fish, chicken or beef bone broth, or fish sauce.

But don’t worry! There are some options, and with a bit of flexibility and asking around, you can get by plant-based in Korea.

Dishes that can be made vegetarian/vegan

1. Bibimbap (비빔밥)
   A classic! Bibimbap is rice with various vegetables, egg, and often bulgogi (marinated beef). Literally translated, it means “mix rice.” It’s eaten with gochujang (chili paste). In restaurants, you can ask for it without meat and egg.

2. Gimbap (김밥)
   A kind of Korean “sushi.” It usually has rice, vegetables, omelet strips, pickled radish, and often meat or fish. Since gimbap is freshly rolled to order, it’s easy to ask for a vegetarian or vegan version.

3. Tteokbokki (떡볶이)
   Soft rice cakes in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce. A popular street food. The dish is usually vegetarian, but be careful: sometimes the sauce is made with fish sauce or anchovy broth. It’s often cooked together with fish cakes. Best to ask, or try it at vegan places.

4. Gyeranmari (계란말이)
   A rolled Korean omelet, sliced and served. Simple but tasty. Not suitable for vegans, but a good vegetarian option.

5. Sweet potatoes (고구마)
   An underrated snack! At convenience stores or street stands, you can get steamed or roasted sweet potatoes. Especially popular in autumn.

Important note:
Kimchi is usually not vegan, as it’s commonly made with fish sauce or fermented shrimp. However, vegan versions exist.

Tips for traveling

• Convenience stores have many snacks, but meat is often hidden inside, even in protein bars or chips. Checking the ingredients list is worth it.

• Pay special attention to these words:
  • 고기 (gogi) – meat
  • 새우 (saeu) – shrimp
  • 오징어 (ojingeo) – octopus
  • 우유 (uyu) – milk
  • 계란 (gyeran) – egg

• When searching for restaurants, look up 비건 (vegan). For vegan cafés, search 비건 카페 (vegan café).

• On social media (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok), some creators share vegan or vegetarian spots in Korea.

• Apps can also help you find vegetarian and vegan restaurants or cafés in Korea. like happycow or Vegefeed (Android) / 채식한끼 (iOS)

My insider tip in Seoul: Jongno

My absolute favorite district in Seoul is Jongno. Between traditional hanok houses, temples, and streets with small shops, you’ll find a surprising number of vegetarian and vegan options. For me, Jongno is the perfect place to spend a day exploring culture and then end it with a delicious plant-based meal. There is a korean restaurant called Vegan Insa. My tip try the soy chicken!

Conclusion

Eating vegetarian or vegan in Korea is a challenge, but by no means impossible. With a little preparation, some openness, and lots of curiosity, you’ll not only discover tasty alternatives but also entirely new flavor experiences that will surprise and delight you.