Traveling vegan in Seoul is more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. The city’s vibrant food scene is rapidly evolving, with an increasing number of restaurants, cafes, and markets catering to plant-based diets. Whether you’re craving traditional Korean dishes made vegan or contemporary international delights, Seoul offers plenty of options to satisfy your appetite. This guide will help you navigate the vegan culinary landscape in Seoul, offering recommendations, tips, and cultural insights to make your trip smooth and delicious.
Overview of Vegan Options in Seoul
Seoul is emerging as a great destination for vegan travelers, thanks to a steady rise in plant-based eateries and health-conscious consumers. While Korean cuisine traditionally features meat, fish, and animal-based broths, the country’s expanding vegan awareness has led to creative adaptations and new vegan menus. Vegan-friendly restaurants range from dedicated vegan establishments to places offering extensive vegetarian options, many of which have vegan variations clearly labeled.
In addition to restaurants, major grocery stores, traditional markets, and street food vendors have begun embracing vegan choices. Imported vegan products and Korean-made vegan snacks are increasingly available, making self-catering an option for travelers who prefer cooking or grabbing quick bites. Overall, Seoul caters well to vegans, especially in central, popular neighborhoods like Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam.
Popular Vegan Korean Dishes
Korean cuisine has a variety of dishes that are naturally vegan or easily made vegan with minor adjustments. Here are some staples you should try while in Seoul:
- Bibimbap: A rice bowl topped with an assortment of vegetables, seaweed, and chili paste. Ask for it without egg or meat and confirm the sauce is vegan.
- Japchae: Stir-fried sweet potato noodles with mixed vegetables. Often cooked with soy sauce and sesame oil, it’s a flavorful vegan choice when made without beef or egg.
- Kimchi: Though traditionally fermented with fish sauce or shrimp paste, many restaurants now offer vegan kimchi fermented with plant-based ingredients.
- Tofu stew (Sundubu jjigae): A spicy stew made from soft tofu and vegetables. Check that the broth is free of seafood or meat-based stock.
- Banchan: Small side dishes served with rice. Many are vegetable-based, such as seasoned spinach, pickled radish, or stir-fried mushrooms, and can be vegan-friendly.
When ordering, always ask to ensure that no animal products or broths are included. Korean cuisine is often subtle about ingredient disclosure, so a polite inquiry goes a long way.
Recommended Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants
Seoul boasts numerous excellent vegan and vegetarian restaurants worth visiting. Here are some noteworthy spots to explore:
- Loving Hut: A popular international vegan chain with multiple locations in Seoul, offering a mix of Korean and Western vegan dishes.
- Plant Cafe & Kitchen: Located in Itaewon, this cafe is known for hearty vegan comfort food and desserts, perfect for brunch or lunch.
- Oh Se Gae Hyang: Situated in Insadong and Hongdae, it serves creative Korean temple cuisine featuring plant-based meals made with traditional recipes.
- Vegetus: A trendy spot with a wide range of vegan options, from burgers to Buddha bowls.
- Balwoo Gongyang: For an upscale experience, this Michelin-starred temple food restaurant near Jogyesa Temple offers beautifully plated, refined vegan dishes.
These restaurants vary in price and ambiance, so whether you want a casual bite or a fine dining experience, Seoul has you covered.
Tips for Grocery Shopping and Street Food
If you want to prepare your own meals or pick up snacks, grocery shopping in Seoul is convenient with many vegan-friendly options available in large supermarket chains like Emart, Lotte Mart, and Homeplus. Look for plant-based items such as tofu, mung bean jelly, seaweed, kimchi labeled vegan, rice cakes (tteok), and fresh produce.
When exploring street food, which is abundant throughout Seoul, exercise caution and ask vendors about ingredients. Some commonly vegan street snacks include:
- Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) – ask if fish-based broth or fish cakes are included
- Bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry with sweet red bean filling)
- Hotteok (sweet syrup-filled pancake)
- Kimbap without meat or eggs (condition: double-check no fish sauce in seasoning)
Many street food stalls rely on seafood-based sauces or broth, so communicating your dietary needs simply and politely is important.
Vegan-Friendly Markets and Cafes
Traditional markets like Gwangjang Market and Namdaemun Market offer a lively experience but require vigilance for vegan options. Some stalls specialize in vegetable pancakes (jeon) or fresh produce that fit a vegan diet; just verify the ingredients.
Cafes have also jumped on the vegan trend, serving plant-based milk coffees, smoothies, and vegan desserts. Areas like Hongdae and Gangnam have several cafes that offer soy, almond, or oat milk options alongside vegan cakes and pastries, making it easy to enjoy a sweet treat or coffee break without animal ingredients.
Cultural Considerations and Language Tips
When traveling vegan in Seoul, understanding some cultural nuances and language aids can enhance your experience. While younger Koreans are increasingly familiar with veganism, many traditional meals include animal products or ingredients not immediately obvious. Having simple phrases to communicate your dietary needs in Korean helps greatly. Here are some useful expressions:
- “저는 비건입니다” (Jeoneun bigeonimnida) – I am vegan.
- “고기 안 먹어요” (Gogi an meogeoyo) – I don’t eat meat.
- “생선 안 먹어요” (Saengseon an meogeoyo) – I don’t eat fish.
- “계란 안 들어가요?” (Gyeran an deureogayo?) – Does it contain eggs?
- “해산물 안 들어가요?” (Haesanmul an deureogayo?) – Does it contain seafood?
Carrying a card explaining veganism in Korean or using a translation app can be invaluable for more complex conversations.
Apps and Online Resources for Vegan Travelers
Technology makes traveling vegan easier than ever. Several apps and websites cater specifically to vegan dining and shopping in Seoul.
- HappyCow: A comprehensive app listing vegan and vegetarian restaurants worldwide, with user reviews and ratings for Seoul.
- Mangoplate: A Korean restaurant finder app that often filters for vegan-friendly options, though mostly in Korean.
- Instagram and blogs: Many local vegan influencers share tips and dining spots updated frequently.
- Google Translate: For live translation when communicating with food vendors or reading menus.
Preparing in advance and bookmarking restaurants or cafes on these platforms can make your culinary adventures smoother.
Staying Healthy and Safe While Traveling Vegan
Maintaining a healthy vegan diet while traveling can sometimes be challenging but is definitely manageable in Seoul. Stay hydrated, be cautious of food allergies, and always specify your vegan requirements clearly. Since some dishes may include hidden animal-based ingredients like fish sauce or broth, don’t hesitate to double-check.
Carry some vegan snacks like nuts or energy bars when exploring the city to avoid hunger pangs. Additionally, practicing proper food hygiene, especially with street food, is essential to prevent stomach upsets while enjoying the local flavors.
With growing vegan options, some basic Korean language skills, and the right resources at hand, your vegan trip to Seoul can be a memorable and mouthwatering adventure packed with new tastes and cultural discoveries.
