Vegan
Vegan in Seoul
Korean Buddhist temple food (사찰음식)
No meat, fish, dairy or eggs Plant-based by religious requirement
The single best vegan path in Korea.
Temple cuisine has been refined for 1,500+ years and is strictly plant-based by religious requirement.
No "five pungent vegetables" Also onion and garlic free
No garlic, onion, leek, scallion or chive. believed to inflame desire.
So strict-temple cooking is also onion + garlic free, which most secular vegan cooking is not.
Seasonal Menus shift monthly
Each ingredient is used at its peak.
Menus shift monthly.
Featured on Netflix "Chef's Table" Jeong Kwan, Baekyangsa Temple, 2017
That visibility put Korean temple food on the global vegan map.
Where the restaurants cluster Insadong, Anguk, Bukchon
Around Insadong (next to Jogyesa, the main Buddhist temple) and Anguk Station.
A few in Bukchon and near Gwanghwamun.
Most need reservation.
Hidden animal products in Korean food
Anchovy + kelp stock Stews, soups, even bibimbap base
The default base in stews, soups, even bibimbap.
Switching to vegetable stock requires a specific request.
Fish sauce / shrimp paste in kimchi Most kimchi is not vegan
"Vegan kimchi" or "백김치" (water kimchi without fish sauce) are alternatives.
Egg drizzles Japchae, bibimbap
In glass-noodle dishes (japchae) and on bibimbap.
Ask "no egg please".
Cheese Korean fusion dishes
Corn cheese, cheese ramen, cheese tteokbokki.
Ham bits Fried rice, budget kimbap
Vegan kimbap exists but you have to ask for "야채 김밥" (vegetable kimbap).
Honey Tea, dressings
Strictly speaking not vegan; Korea uses a lot.
Mirin / cooking wine Marinades
Plant-based but technically alcohol. flag if your version of vegan excludes that.
Korean phrases that actually work
비건이에요 bee-geon-i-e-yo
"I'm vegan." Say this first.
Then list specifics.
고기, 생선, 우유, 계란 다 안 돼요 gogi, saengseon, uyu, gyeran da an-dwae-yo
"No meat, fish, milk, egg please." Cover all bases.
멸치 육수도 빼주세요 myeolchi yuksu-do bae-ju-se-yo
"No anchovy stock either." The specific one most foreigners forget.
야채만 주세요 yache-man ju-se-yo
"Just vegetables please." Useful for banchan + bibimbap.
사찰음식 sachal-eumsik
"Buddhist temple food." Use when asking for the cuisine type.
Where to look in Seoul
Insadong + Anguk Temple-food cluster
The Buddhist-temple-food cluster.
Jogyesa Temple is here.
Several specialist temple-cuisine restaurants, mostly reservation-required.
Hannam-dong Modern vegan cafés + bakeries
Modern vegan cafés, plant-based brunches, vegan bakeries.
Walking distance from Itaewon.
International expat-vegan crowd.
Hongdae + Sinchon Student-priced
Student-priced vegan cafés, vegan bibimbap shops, vegan ramen.
Lower price point than Hannam.
Yeonnam-dong Plant-based brunch
Hipster vegan + plant-based brunch spots.
Walkable from Hongik Univ.
Itaewon (broader) Indian + Middle Eastern
Indian + Middle Eastern restaurants serving vegetarian-default dishes.
Not vegan-certified but easy to order vegan.
Ready-made vegan day trips
The guide's day plans, meals and stops in order. Vegan food is tagged; the rest are the sights and activities in between.
A vegan day in Seoul 4 vegan stops · 1 day
- 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM EHT에트 Create your own perfume using plant-based ingredients. Reservation is required.
- 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Slunch Factory슬런치팩토리vegan option Slunch Factory is a vegan restaurant specializing in Italian and Korean vegan cuisine. It is renowned for its Moroccan salad and vegetable curry.
- 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Black Heart작은 연필가게 흑심 This is a great place for browsing and shopping vintage pencils and stationery.
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Real K-pop Dance리얼 케이팝 댄스 You can learn the choreography of your favorite K-pop idol's song from a real K-pop dancer.
- Monk's Butchervegan Monk's Butcher is a casual vegan restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of dishes, from salads and pasta to Malaysian-style curry.
- 5:40 PM - 6:40 PM Alt.a알트에이vegan At this popular plant-based Asian cuisine restaurant, you can savor Korean-Chinese dishes like jjajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles), made with only plant-based ingredients.
- 6:40 PM - 7:10 PM Nono Shop노노샵 Nono Shop (No Animal, No Plastic) is a vegan and eco-friendly multicultural space. It features a vegan market, a zero-waste shop, a vegan dessert cafe, a bookstore, and more!
- 7:10 PM - 9:00 PM Camouflage카무플라주vegan Camouflage is an American-style Chinese restaurant and wine bar. Enjoy their signature 'Orange Chicken' with a glass of wine.
Seoul & Suwon, 2 days 8 vegan stops · 2 days
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Gyeongbokgung Palace경복궁 Gyeongbokgung Palace is the primary and largest palace of the Joseon dynasty. The guard (Sumunjang) changing ceremony takes place at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Admission is free for those wearing hanbok (Korean traditional clothing).
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cheongwadae청와대 Tour the offices and other areas used by the President of South Korea. Online reservation required.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Qyun큔vegan A grocery and café specializing in fermented foods and beverages, featuring locally grown and seasonal plant-based ingredients.
- 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Seoul Museum of Craft Art서울공예박물관 The Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) is the first public museum of craft art in Korea. Discover various crafts from traditional to contemporary.
- 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Nuldam Space Gyeongbokgung Branch널담은공간 경복궁점vegan Located in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace's Geonchunmun Gate, this vegan cafe provides a stunning view of the palace.
- 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM Seoul Forest서울숲 An ecological park nestled among skyscrapers. The area near the entrance is filled with popular restaurants and cafés, making it a favorite spot for Millennials, Gen Z, and couples on dates.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM AMORE Seongsu아모레 성수 Amore Seongsu, an experiential store by Amorepacific, is housed in a renovated car repair shop with a unique vibe. Explore and purchase products from over 30 brands, including certified-vegan cosmetics.
- Mokro Jungwonvegan Additional. Offers vegan drinks, wines, and desserts. It's a vegan dessert shop at the entrance of Seoul Forest, known for its famous carrot and chocolate cakes.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Chick Peace칙피스vegan option Chick Peace is a Mediterranean restaurant that specializes in dishes like mezze salad, hummus, and shakshuka.
- 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM Midday Night한낮의밤vegan option Unwind with a glass of wine and delicious vegan dishes.
- 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Gwanggyo Lake Park광교 호수공원 Take a walk along the paths surrounding the lake and enjoy nature within the city.
- 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Gwanggyo Cafe Street & Yellow Forest광교 카페거리&옐로우 포레스트vegan option Enjoy cakes and crumbles made with chickpeas at this cozy cafe.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Sodamgol소담골vegan option Savor local favorites like patkalguksu (red bean paste noodle soup) and deulkkae sujebi (hand-pulled dough soup with perilla seeds).
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Haengnidan-gil & Suwon Traditional Culture Center행리단길&수원전통문화관 Along Haengnidan-gil, you'll discover unique cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, many of which have been beautifully renovated from old houses and hanoks (traditional Korean houses). Among these, the Suwon Traditional Culture Center stands out, offering a variety of traditional cultural programs, including food culture education and etiquette training, all rooted in King Jeongjo's philosophy.
- Earthy Play A local zero-waste shop. It offers sustainable household products and crafting classes.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Season Storage계절곳간vegan option Season Storage is renowned for its gimbap. Enjoy this beloved Korean comfort food!
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Suwon Hwaseong Fortress수원 화성(야간개장) (Night Opening _ From May 3, 2024 (Fri) to October 27, 2024 (Sun), every Friday to Sunday) Explore this well-preserved fortress built in the late Joseon dynasty (1796), now a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
Busan, 3 days 8 vegan stops · 3 days
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM arp아르프vegan Selected for the Michelin Guide 2024, this restaurant is known for its housemade rice liquors. Try the signature Gosari Pasta, which features a delicious pesto made from bracken from Jirisan Mountain, paired with rice wine.
- 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Huinnyeoul Culture Village흰여울문화마을 A village developed along the coastal cliffs, notable for its impressive retro-style houses and walls. It is still inhabited by residents today.
- 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Taejongdae (Busan National Geopark) & Danubi Train태종대(부산국가지질공원)&다누비열차 Rocky cliffs rising above the sea, combined with well-maintained forest trails, offer stunning views. You can also conveniently explore the area by riding the "Danubi Train."
- 6:45 PM - 7:30 PM Sulgodang술고당vegan option If you've ever been curious about Ramyeon from K-dramas, try this healthy vegetable version with no artificial seasonings!
- 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Bupyeong Kkangtong Market (Night Market)부평 깡통시장(야시장) Busan's largest night market offers a variety of street foods. Enjoy patjuk (red bean porridge), famous as a winter delicacy, and bibimdangmyeon (spicy glass noodles), a quintessential Busan street food (with the option to exclude fishcake).
- 9:30 PM - 10:30 PM Gwangalli Beach & Gwangandaegyo Bridge광안리해수욕장&광안대교 A renowned beach and vacation spot representing Busan, famous for its stunning night views of Gwangandaegyo Bridge.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Love Urth러브얼스vegan This 2024 Michelin Guide-selected restaurant offers vegan versions of everyday favorites like sandwiches and pastas. The menu includes three dishes that change every 5-6 weeks, so be sure to check their Instagram before visiting.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Haeundae Blueline Park (Mipo Station)해운대블루라인파크(미포 정거장) Haeundae Blueline Park is an eco-friendly redevelopment of the former Donghae Nambu Line railroad facilities. Take in stunning sea views while riding the Haeundae Beach Train and the Sky Capsule.
- 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM The Soga Cafe더소가카페vegan option Enjoy special blended teas alongside a brunch menu.
- 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Yacht tour요트 투어 This tour lets you fully experience Busan's clear skies and blue sea. Feel the sea breeze aboard a luxurious yacht, with options for daytime, nighttime, and private tours.
- Home Bistrovegan Vintage-style restaurant and bar. Feel at home in this hidden gem in Busan, where you can savor dishes that capture the essence of the season.
- 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM SPA LAND Centum City센텀 스파랜드 Indulge in various spa treatments, including saunas and foot baths. Don't miss the Korean-style snacks available for purchase. A department store on the upper floors offers additional shopping opportunities.
- 7:45 PM - 8:45 PM Vegenarang베지나랑vegan Experience temple food with a modern twist, all while enjoying a stunning ocean view. Try the lotus leaf rice set and the bean cutlet with black rice.
- 12:10 PM - 1:10 PM Obuthan오붓한vegan Obuthan is renowned for its signature namul bansang(herb-in season set menu) and Totbap bansang(brown seaweed rice set menu), both featuring locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
- 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Different Today매일이 다르다vegan Enjoy pour-over coffee brewed by the cafe owner, along with pea milk tea and hot chocolate.
- 3:10 PM - 4:30 PM Choryang Ibagu-gil초량 이바구길 This area was originally settled by refugees during the Korean War. Today, it features walking paths and the 168 steps. Note: "Ibagu" is a Gyeongsang-do dialect word meaning "story."
Jeju, 3 days 10 vegan stops · 3 days
- 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Pureun Sol Malguen Hyang Vegetarian Restaurant채식식당 푸른솔맑은향vegan option A Korean restaurant known for its lotus leaf rice (nutritious vegan steamed sticky rice) and barley bibimbap.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Jigubyul Store지구별가게 A zero-waste store specializing in organic products such as underwear, towels, and handkerchiefs.
- Cafe 901vegan This wellness travel destination, recommended by KTO, features a vegan cafe that uses only plant-based ingredients and offers a stay designed to help you release all the stress of daily life.
- Dasonivegan option This restaurant offers many vegan-friendly dishes, including sweet red bean porridge, perilla seed porridge, acorn jelly, and young summer radish kimchi noodles.
- 4:45 PM - 6:30 PM Hamdeok Beach함덕해수욕장 This beach is known for its beautiful white sand and crystal-clear water, making it perfect for water activities. The nearby volcanic cone is especially picturesque in the spring, when it's blanketed with vibrant yellow canola blossoms.
- Iho Tewoo Beach Jeju's top surfing spot. A beach near the airport where surfing classes are held in the summer.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Taco Massim월정타코마씸vegan option A Mexican restaurant known for its tacos, offering vegan tacos and cocktails.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market서귀포매일올레시장 At Seogwipo's largest traditional market, savor Jeju's iconic vegan snacks, such as bingtteok (buckwheat crepes with radish filling) and omaegitteok (millet rice cake).
- Nuyoungnayoung Tangerine Picking Experience Farm An activity exclusive to Jeju - Tangerine picking. The tangerine harvest season in Jeju runs from October to December. Make sure to visit during this time to enjoy the tangerine picking experience.
- Santoshavegan Refined vegan cuisine made with Jeju's vegetables. This restaurant offers meticulously prepared vegan fusion meals made with organic, locally grown Jeju vegetables.
- 1:10 PM - 2:10 PM Jeju Mellow감미롭다제주vegan A vegan restaurant famous for its lotus leaf rice made with five grains (rice, barley, foxtail millet, bean, and proso millet) and vegetable bibimbap.
- 2:40 PM - 4:40 PM Osulloc Tea Museum오설록티뮤지엄 A tea museum and cafe run by a Korean tea brand, offering premium tea experiences available by reservation.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Jungmun Saekdal Beach중문색달해수욕장 An iconic beach in Seogwipo that attracts travelers and surfers, especially during the peak summer season.
- 6:10 PM - 7:30 PM Ssong Thai Jeju쏭타이vegan option A local Thai restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Thai cuisine along with beautiful scenery.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Five Seventh되도록 채식, 칠분의오vegan A vegan restaurant located near Woljeongri Beach, known for its stir-fried bean curd and burgers.
- 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Seongsan Ilchulbong성산일출봉 A volcanic formation created by an underwater eruption, Seongsan Ilchulbong is one of Jeju's most iconic natural attractions and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
- 2:00 PM - 2:40 PM Jeju Olle Trail Route 1제주올레1코스 Explore a section of Route 1 and take in the stunning scenery of Jeju Island.
- 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Udo Island우도 If you want to experience Jeju's unspoiled nature, visit Udo Island, where you can enjoy beautiful beaches, oreums (parasitic cones), and more. *Bicycles, scooters, electric cars, and tour buses are available.
- 4:30 PM - 5:20 PM Udo Peanut Makgeolli Cafe & Pub우도땅콩막걸리카페펍vegan option Enjoy a unique nightlife experience at this cafe and pub, where you can try makgeolli made from Udo's specialty peanuts and premium rice, paired with snacks. (Please note that kimchi might contain salted seafood.)
- Bijarim Forest A path through a 1,500-year-old nutmeg forest. A pleasant and accessible walking path, Bijarim Forest is also home to rare plants found only on Jeju Island. Admission fee 3,000 KRW
- Geomun Oreum (parasitic cone) The only UNESCO World Natural Heritage site among Jeju's oreums. Recognized for its geological significance, Geomun Oreum was designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2007, making it the only oreum with this status.
Itineraries from the Korea Tourism Organization's Vegan Tour to Korea (2024).
Point to what you can't eat
Show a server this list and have them mark what a dish contains. Header phrase: 제가 먹지 않는 것은… ("the things I don't eat").
- 돼지고기 Pork
- 소고기 Beef
- 닭고기 Chicken
- 생선 Fish액젓, 날치알 포함 / (Including fish sauce and flying fish roe)
- 돼지고기 육수 Pork Broth
- 소고기 육수 Beef Broth
- 닭고기 육수 Chicken Broth
- 생선 육수 Fish Broth멸치육수, 황태육수 등 / (Broth made from anchovy or dried pollack)
- 계란 Egg
- 유제품 Dairy products우유, 버터, 요구르트 등 / (Including milk, butter, and yogurt)
- 동물성 제품 Animal-based products꿀 / (Honey)
- 동물성 제품 Animal-based products젤라틴 / (Gelatin)
- 조개 Clams굴 포함 / (Including oyster)
- 갑각류 Shellfish새우, 게 등 / (Including shrimp and crab)
Key ingredients in Korean cuisine
Garlic 마늘
In Korea, garlic is often roasted whole or crushed and used as a seasoning. Most Korean condiments include garlic, which is also known for its anti-cancer properties.
Water Parsley 미나리
Water parsley is a fragrant herb used in both cooking and as a medicinal ingredient. In Korea, it is often briefly blanched, thoroughly washed and dipped in sauce, or used to make pancakes.
Perilla Leaves 깻잎
Perilla leaves, from the perilla plant, have a refreshing and fragrant aroma similar to mint, which intensifies as you chew them. In Korea, perilla leaves are used to make kimchi or as wraps with rice and ssamjang.
Bean Sprouts 콩나물
Bean sprouts are the shoots and roots of soybeans. In Korea, they are commonly seasoned and eaten as a side dish, or added to soups, jjigaes, and various dishes. Bean sprouts contain arginine, which helps with fatigue recovery and boosts the immune system.
Chives 부추
Chives, a type of green onion, are commonly blanched or thoroughly washed and eaten with dipping sauces in Korea. They are harvested from spring to fall (March to September), with spring being their peak season.
Acorn Jelly 도토리묵
Acorn jelly is made from acorns, the fruit of the oak tree. In Korean cuisine, jelly is made by grinding grains, cooking them until they form a pudding-like texture, and then typically serving them with various sauces drizzled on top.
Vegan buys at the convenience store
- Paldo Bibimmen 팔도 비빔면 Ramyeon (instant noodles)
- Jungmyeon 정면 Ramyeon (instant noodles)
- Maptang Cheongyang Pepper Green Onion Ramyeon 맵탕 청양고추대파라면 Ramyeon (instant noodles)
- Amazing Oat 에이징 오트 오리지널 Vegan drinks; Maeil; 190 mL (95 kcal) 오트 12.6%
- Almond Breeze 오리지널 45 Vegan drinks; ORIGINAL 45
- Vegan Banana Milk 식물성 바유 바나나맛 Vegan drinks; Binggrae
- Deep-Fried Bean Curd Jeonju Bibim Triangle Gimbap 두부튀김 전주비빔 Ready-made meals
- Plant-based Jigusikdan Iseul Mandu (dumpling) 풀무원 식물성 지구식단 이슬만두 Ready-made meals
Popular Korean vegan snacks
- Scorched rice 누룽지 · nurungji Crunchy rice that sticks to the bottom of the pot, enjoyed as a snack or by adding hot water.
- Vegetable and seaweed chips 부각 · bugak Deep-fried seaweed, perilla leaves, and peppers that can be eaten as a snack or side dish.
- Dalgona 달고나 · dalgona A candy made by heating a mixture of sugar and baking soda.
- Rice pops 뻥튀기 · ppeongtwigi A snack made by puffing grains such as rice or corn.
- Roasted sweet potatoes and chestnuts 군고구마 군밤 · gungoguma gunbam Sweet potatoes and chestnuts roasted over an open flame, typically enjoyed in the middle of winter.
- Sweet potato sticks 고구마스틱 · goguma seutik A snack made from thinly sliced sweet potatoes, available at supermarkets and convenience stores.
Templestay
Stay overnight at a Buddhist temple; meals are vegan-friendly (no animal products except dairy). Open to everyone.
Beomeosa Temple 범어사 (부산)
Beomeosa Temple, one of Busan's most prominent temples, is believed to have been built during the Silla dynasty. It offers an opportunity to discover yourself through meditation. Templestays vary depending on whether it's a weekday or weekend, with programs typically lasting 1 night and 2 days.
Jingwansa Temple 진관사 (서울)
Jingwansa Temple, renowned for its cuisine, was founded during the early Goryeo dynasty and boasts over 1,000 years of history. Located on the western slopes of Bukhansan Mountain, it offers a peaceful and tranquil experience even in the heart of Seoul.
Baegyangsa Temple 백양사 (전라남도 장성)
Baegyangsa Temple gained additional fame from monk Jeong Kwan's appearance on Netflix's Chef's Table and offers experiences that include lectures and demonstrations of her Buddhist cuisine. There are also specialized Templestay programs (focused on temple cuisine) for international visitors.
- Greet a monk with a bow, hands together in a prayer position.
- Serve yourself only what you will eat, and clean your own bowl after meals.
- Abstain from alcohol, smoking, and unnecessary conversation.
- No outside food.
Vegan grocery + supermarket
Foreign Food Mart, Itaewon Plant milks, vegan butter, protein
Soy / oat / almond milk, vegan butter, plant-based protein.
Coupang / Market Kurly apps Vegan-tagged delivery
Best for vegan-tagged delivery; 비건 (bee-geon) tag filters.
Lotte / E-Mart / Homeplus Larger branches
Larger branches stock plant milks + a few brands of vegan ice cream + "비건 인증" labeled items.
Convenience stores CU / GS25 / 7-Eleven
Have started carrying vegan kimbap + triangle-kimbap; check the wrapper for 비건.
Naver Map "비건" filter Cleaner than Google Maps here
Works well.
Cleaner than Google Maps for vegan venue search in Korea.
Practical tips
Reserve temple food 1-3 days notice
Specialist restaurants take 1-3 days notice.
Walk-in availability is rare.
Lunch tasting menus are cheaper 30-50% off dinner
30-50% cheaper than dinner at temple-food specialists.
Same kitchen.
Default-vegan cuisines Indian, Middle Eastern, Italian
Indian thali, Middle Eastern mezze (without meat), Italian pasta (verify no egg pasta), Korean japchae (verify no egg), bibimbap (specify no meat / no egg).
Kimbap shops Fast ₩3-4k vegan lunch
Almost always make 야채 (vegetable) kimbap; ₩3-4k, fast vegan lunch.
Specify no fish-cake (어묵) and no ham (햄).
Bring a written translation Show staff a Korean note
Print or save a Korean note explaining your diet. show staff.
Less margin for misunderstanding.
Verified July 2026. Venue list from the Korea Tourism Organization's Vegan Tour to Korea (2024); confirm hours before visiting. Know a reliable spot we're missing? email [email protected].
