Vegan in Korea / How to Survive as a Vegan in South Korea

 

🌏 Introduction

Traveling or living in South Korea as a vegan can feel overwhelming at first. If you’ve ever wandered through a Korean market or sat down at a local restaurant, you’ve probably noticed how central meat, seafood, and even hidden animal-based ingredients are in traditional dishes. Many foreigners in Korea worry: “Will I be able to eat anything here as a vegan?” Don’t worry—you’re not alone! In fact, more and more people are exploring vegan lifestyles in South Korea, and cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu are slowly becoming friendlier to plant-based eaters. With the right knowledge, you can not only survive but actually enjoy an incredible vegan experience here. This guide will give you practical tips, real-life examples, and a step-by-step strategy to make your vegan journey in Korea smooth and enjoyable.

🥢 Understanding Korean Food Culture

Korean cuisine is famous for its bold flavors, vibrant side dishes, and heavy use of fermented ingredients. However, fish sauce, anchovy stock, or meat-based broths often sneak into soups and stews. Even the popular kimchi traditionally contains shrimp paste or fish sauce. That said, Korean food culture also has plenty of naturally vegan options if you know what to look for. Dishes like bibimbap (비빔밥), kongguksu (콩국수), and japchae (잡채) can easily be made vegan by asking for no meat or egg. The key is learning how to communicate your dietary needs politely in Korean.

🗣️ Step 1: Learn Key Korean Phrases

The first step to surviving as a vegan in Korea is mastering a few essential phrases. This will save you from awkward situations and help restaurant staff understand your needs.

• 📌 저는 채식주의자예요 (jeoneun chaesikjuuijaeyo) = I am a vegetarian.
• 📌 저는 비건이에요 (jeoneun bigeonieyo) = I am vegan.
• 📌 고기, 생선, 계란, 우유 다 안 먹어요 (gogi, saengseon, gyeran, uyu da an meogeoyo) = I don’t eat meat, fish, eggs, or milk.

Many Koreans may not fully understand the difference between “vegetarian” and “vegan,” so it’s best to list the foods you cannot eat. Carrying a written note in Korean or using a translation app can also be a lifesaver.

🥗 Step 2: Discover Naturally Vegan Dishes

South Korea may surprise you with the number of plant-based dishes already in its cuisine. Here are some go-to vegan-friendly meals:

• Bibimbap (비빔밥) – A rice bowl with mixed vegetables. Ask to remove egg and meat, and it becomes a delicious vegan meal.
• Kongguksu (콩국수) – Cold soybean noodle soup, popular in summer. 100% vegan if no added toppings are non-vegan.
• Doenjang Jjigae (된장찌개) – Soybean paste stew. Request it without anchovy broth or meat.
• Banchan (반찬) – Side dishes such as namul (seasoned vegetables), kimchi (check if no fish sauce), and tofu dishes.

💡 Pro tip: Buddhist temple food (사찰음식) is completely vegan and can be found at specialized restaurants or temple stays across the country.

🛒 Step 3: Grocery Shopping as a Vegan in Korea

Supermarkets in Korea like E-Mart, Lotte Mart, and Homeplus often have limited vegan-labeled products, but you can still find essentials. Look for tofu (두부), soy milk (두유), and plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. In recent years, health food stores and online shops like iHerb Korea, Coupang, and Market Kurly have expanded their vegan product range, offering plant-based meat, dairy-free cheese, and snacks. Seoul also has vegan bakeries and cafes such as Plant Cafe & Kitchen in Itaewon and The Bread Blue near Hongdae.

🚶 Step 4: Eating Out as a Vegan

Eating out is where most vegans struggle in South Korea. Many restaurants won’t have vegan items listed, but don’t lose hope. Try these strategies:

• 🍲 Look for “비건 (Vegan)” restaurants on Naver Maps or HappyCow app.
• 🥬 Visit traditional markets where you can find vegetable-based dishes and freshly made tofu.
• 🙏 Join expat vegan groups on Facebook or KakaoTalk for updated recommendations.

💡 Pro tip: If in doubt, head to a Buddhist temple restaurant or buffet. They are not only vegan but also an amazing cultural experience.

💳 Step 5: Budgeting as a Vegan Traveler

Being vegan in Korea doesn’t have to be expensive, but some imported vegan products can cost more than in Western countries.

• ✅ Local vegetables, tofu, and rice are very affordable.
• ✅ Eating at temple food restaurants is reasonably priced compared to trendy vegan cafes.
• ⚠️ Imported vegan cheese, plant-based meats, and specialty snacks can be costly—save these for occasional treats.

By balancing local vegan-friendly meals with a few specialty items, you can stay within your budget while eating well.

🌟 Conclusion

Living or traveling as a vegan in South Korea may seem like a challenge at first, but with preparation and curiosity, it can become an enriching experience. From temple food to creative vegan cafes in Seoul, Korea offers hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Remember, the key is learning basic Korean phrases, knowing which dishes to try, and connecting with the growing vegan community. Have you tried being vegan in Korea? What was your experience like? Share your stories or questions in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you! 🌿

🏷️ Labels

Vegan in Korea, How to Survive as a Vegan in South Korea, Vegan Restaurants Seoul, Temple Food Korea, Vegan Travel Guide Korea

※ Information may vary slightly depending on the environment and region, so please use it as a reference only.