Being vegan or vegetarian in Korea can feel like stepping into a food minefield. You’re excited to try local food, but soon realize: even the “vegetables” here might be cooked in meat or anchovy broth (멸치 육수). A recent viral video of an Indian student shouting, “There’s nothing for you to eat!”? Sadly, many can relate.
But here’s the good news: things are changing. 비건 식당 (vegan restaurants) are growing, more labels now show vegan options, and there’s a small but supportive plant-based community.
This guide isn’t just about surviving — it’s about thriving. Whether you’re new here or just struggling to find reliable options, we’ve got real tips to help you enjoy food in Korea without compromising your values.
Why It's So Hard: The Reality for Vegetarians in Korea
Many Korean dishes rely heavily on meat, seafood, or animal-based broth — even when they look plant-based. For example, 비빔밥 (bibimbap) might be topped with minced beef, and 김치 (kimchi) usually contains fish sauce (액젓) or salted shrimp (새우젓). Even the innocent-looking 반찬 (side dishes)? Often cooked with anchovy stock.
The challenge isn’t just the food — it’s the communication. You will find that many Koreans don’t fully understand what “vegan” means. Even if you say “비건이에요,” they might assume seafood or broth is okay. So yes, it can feel isolating at first. But once you know how to explain clearly and where to look, eating plant-based in Korea gets a whole lot easier.
Essential Korean Phrases & Tips for Communicating Your Diet
Talking about your dietary needs in Korea can be tricky. Even if you say you're vegetarian or vegan, people might not fully get what that means. So let’s go beyond just saying the word — here’s how to explain clearly.
Must-Know Phrases
"I'm a vegetarian."
저는 채식주의자예요.
(jeo-neun chae-sik-ju-ui-ja-ye-yo)
"I'm vegan."
저는 비건이에요.
(jeo-neun bi-geon-i-e-yo)
"Please take out the meat/fish."
고기/생선 빼고 주세요.
(go-gi / saeng-seon ppae-go ju-se-yo)
"Does this have any meat, fish, or egg in it?"
이거에 고기, 생선, 계란 들어가요?
(i-geo-e go-gi, saeng-seon, gye-ran deul-eo-ga-yo?)
"I can’t eat meat, fish, or broth — even a little."
고기, 생선, 육수 조금도 못 먹어요.
(go-gi, saeng-seon, yuk-su jo-geum-do mot meok-eo-yo)
Cultural Tip: Be Specific, Not Just Polite
Some Koreans think “vegetarian” means you just don’t like meat, or that seafood is fine. So instead of just saying "비건이에요", add a clear explanation like:
고기, 생선, 육수, 계란, 우유 다 안 돼요.
(Meat, fish, broth, egg, and milk — I can’t eat any of them.)
If you’re eating out with friends, it helps to show them a saved sentence or note on your phone. Or even better: memorize the Korean words for the things you avoid.
Your Go-To Guide for Korean Restaurants (비건 식당 & 채식 맛집 찾기)
Let’s be real: finding a fully vegetarian or vegan restaurant in Korea isn’t always easy — especially outside of Seoul. But it’s definitely getting easier if you know where and how to look.
Step 1: Use the Right Apps (and the Right Words)
HappyCow
This app is a game-changer. It lists 비건 식당 (vegan restaurants), 채식
맛집 (vegetarian-friendly spots), and cafes with plant-based options —
with reviews in English!
Naver Maps & Kakao Maps
If you’re in Korea long-term, you’ll need these local apps. But here’s
the trick: search in Korean!
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비건 식당 (vegan restaurant)
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채식 맛집 (vegetarian-friendly spot)
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사찰음식 (temple food – naturally vegan, Buddhist cuisine)
Step 2: Ordering at Non-Vegan Restaurants (Yes, It’s Possible)
You're out with coworkers. Or traveling in the countryside. No 비건 식당 in sight. What now? Don't panic — here are go-to dishes you can usually adapt:
비빔밥 (Bibimbap)
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A classic rice bowl with mixed vegetables.
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Say: “고기랑 계란은 빼 주세요.” (No meat, no egg, please.)
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Double check if the 고추장 (red chili paste) has beef broth — some versions do.
야채 김밥 (Vegetable Gimbap)
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Not all 김밥 is safe, but 야채 김밥 often works.
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Avoid 참치 김밥 unless you’re pescatarian — and skip the mayo!
순두부찌개 (Soft Tofu Stew)
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Sounds veggie-friendly, but it's usually made with pork or seafood broth.
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Ask: “야채 육수로 만들어 주세요.” (Can you make it with veggie broth?)
냉면 (Naengmyeon)
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Cold buckwheat noodles — refreshing, yes. But the broth is often beef-based.
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Look for 비건 냉면 or ask if they can do it without broth.
Real-World Tip: When in Doubt, Go Temple Style
If you’re really unsure, 사찰음식 식당 (temple cuisine restaurants) are your best friend. You’ll find them in places like 인사동, 강남, and even in smaller cities near Buddhist temples. It's clean, traditional, peaceful — and totally 비건.
Conquering the Convenience Store & Supermarket
Let’s be honest — grocery shopping in Korea as a vegan or vegetarian can feel like solving a puzzle in a foreign language. Every product looks tasty, but what’s really inside? Welcome to the label-decoding game.
Step 1: Know These Korean Ingredients
Here are the usual suspects that hide in packaged foods — memorize these!
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 소고기 (so-go-gi) | Beef |
| 돼지고기 (dwae-ji-go-gi) | Pork |
| 닭고기 (dak-go-gi) | Chicken |
| 생선 (saeng-seon) | Fish |
| 해물 (hae-mul) | Seafood |
| 육수 (yuk-su) | Broth |
| 계란 (gye-ran) | Egg |
| 우유 (u-yu) | Milk |
| 멸치 (myeol-chi) | Anchovy |
| 새우젓 / 액젓 | Salted shrimp / Fish sauce |
| 치즈 (chi-jeu) | Cheese |
Tip: Look for products with the label 비건 인증 (vegan certified) or 채식 가능 (vegetarian-friendly). You’ll see them more often in large supermarkets like 이마트, 홈플러스, or even online at 마켓컬리.
Step 2: Best Vegan Finds in Korean Stores
Here’s what you can actually buy without second-guessing every label:
Vegan Ramen (비건 라면)
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농심 순라면 (Nongshim Soon Veggie Noodle Soup)
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오뚜기 채식라면 (Ottogi Veggie Ramen)
→ Both are certified vegan. You can find them in most convenience stores or order a box online!
Vegan Kimchi (비건 김치)
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Most regular 김치 has 액젓 or 새우젓.
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Look for clearly labeled 비건 김치 at stores like GS더프레시 or online platforms like 마켓컬리 or 쿠팡.
두부 (Tofu)
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Found in every convenience store, supermarket, and even Daiso.
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Cheap, versatile, and always a safe plant protein.
쌈장 vs 된장
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된장 (Doenjang) is usually vegan.
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쌈장 (Ssamjang) often contains seafood or meat extract — always check the label.
Plant-Based Milks
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Look for 두유 (soy milk), 오트밀크 (oat milk), or 아몬드밀크 (almond milk).
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More options are showing up in GS25, CU, and online.
Bonus Tips for Smart Shopping
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Search online using “비건 간편식” (vegan ready-meal) or “비건 스낵” (vegan snacks) on Coupang, Gmarket, or iHerb Korea.
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Use camera translation apps like Papago or Google Lens to scan labels on the go.
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When in doubt? Join a local Facebook group like “Vegans in Korea” and ask!
A New Wave of Plant-Based Options
The good news is that Korea's vegan scene has come a long way—and it’s only getting better. In cities like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju, you’ll find dedicated 비건 식당 (vegan restaurants), 비건 베이커리 (vegan bakeries), and cafes with plant-based options popping up everywhere.
You can now find:
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Vegan burgers at fast-food chains like Lotteria and even Burger King Korea.
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Dedicated vegan bakeries and cafes in popular areas like Hongdae, Gangnam, and Seomyeon. Check places like The Bread Blue or Plant Cafe Seoul.
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Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods in major supermarkets (대형마트) such as E-Mart and online stores like Market Kurly.
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A growing number of online stores selling 비건 간편식 (vegan ready-made meals), 비건 디저트 (vegan desserts), and even 비건 반찬 (vegan side dishes).
Keep an eye out for a new development in 2025: more and more products on supermarket shelves are featuring a “비건 인증” (vegan-certified) sticker, making it even easier to find what you need.
And don't miss out on the 서울 비건 페스티벌 (Seoul Vegan Festival) or 비건 마켓 (vegan market) pop-up events. They're a great way to discover new foods, meet cool people, and connect with the local community!
FAQs about Vegan & Vegetarian in Korea
Q1: Is all kimchi vegan?
No. Many traditional recipes use salted seafood or fish sauce. To be sure, look for kimchi specifically labeled as "비건 김치" (vegan kimchi) in supermarkets or online.
Q2: How can I find vegetarian options at a non-vegan chain restaurant (e.g., kimbap chains)?
Q3: What are some easy, naturally vegan Korean side dishes (반찬) to look for?
Q4: Can I find vegan-friendly instant ramen in Korea?
Q5: Are there any Korean sweets or snacks I should be careful about?
Final Thoughts
Living as a vegetarian or vegan in Korea can certainly feel like a challenge at times, but it’s far from impossible. It takes a bit of extra effort, sure, but you're not alone. By learning a few key phrases, using the right apps, and knowing what to look for at the store, you can navigate the food scene with confidence. The Korean food landscape is changing, with more and more plant-based options becoming available every day.
Whether you're living here long-term or just visiting, you can absolutely eat well, stay healthy, and enjoy Korean food without compromising your values. From 비건 식당 in Seoul to 비건 김치 at your local 마트, the tools are here—and now, so are you.
More Resources for Vegan Life in Korea
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HappyCow : The most reliable app to discover 비건 식당 and 채식 맛집 in Korea, complete with reviews and maps.
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Market Kurly (마켓컬리) : A Korean online grocery store where you can order 비건 김치, vegan ramen, and plant-based ready meals delivered to your home.
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