Vegetarian in South Korea? Here's How to Survive and Actually Enjoy It

So you’re vegetarian—and you’re heading to South Korea. I know exactly how that feels. When I was planning my trip, I read every blog, watched every vlog, and still had this pit in my stomach: Will I find anything to eat besides white rice and lettuce?

The short answer? Yes, absolutely. But it takes a little prep and a lot of curiosity.

Let me walk you through what I learned (the easy way and the hard way) so you can enjoy Korea without constantly worrying about your next meal.

What Being Vegetarian Means in Korea

First, let’s get this out of the way: in Korea, the word “vegetarian” doesn’t always mean what you think it means. Unless you say “no meat, no fish, no seafood, no animal broth,” your bibimbap might still come with anchovy stock or beef toppings.

What helped me: I carried a translation card that said exactly what I couldn’t eat in Korean. You can print one from websites like Vegan Korea or use apps like HappyCow that offer phrase translations. I even learned to say: 고기, 생선, 해물, 안 먹어요 (I don’t eat meat, fish, or seafood). Trust me, it made a difference.

1. Temple Food Changed Everything

I’ll never forget walking into a Buddhist temple restaurant in Insadong. Rows of banchan (side dishes) with not a trace of meat. Soybean-based stews, pickled vegetables, lotus root—it was one of the best meals I had in Korea.

These temple cuisine places are goldmines for vegetarians. Try spots like Balwoo Gongyang in Seoul or Gilsangsa Temple Café. They're peaceful, healthy, and 100% plant-based.

2. My Favorite Vegetarian-Friendly Spots in Seoul

Let me save you the trial and error. Here are places I personally loved:

🥗 Plant (Itaewon) – A well-known vegan café with real portions. Their lentil burger and smoothies saved me more than once.

🍜 Osegyehyang (Insadong) – Traditional Korean food, but all vegetarian. Their vegan kimchi jjigae (stew) is cozy comfort food.

🍛 Loving Hut (various locations) – Simple, affordable, and very vegan-conscious. Feels like home cooking.

🗺️ Tip: Use Naver Map instead of Google Maps for up-to-date reviews and exact directions. Most locals use it.

3. Eating Out With Locals (Without Feeling Left Out)

There were nights I joined Korean friends at barbecue spots. I’d smile politely, sip makgeolli, and snack on grilled mushrooms and garlic while they cooked pork.

The secret? Most Korean restaurants offer plenty of veggie sides (banchan)—from kimchi to spinach to tofu. I also got used to ordering bibimbap minus meat and egg—just say: 계란이랑 고기 빼 주세요 (please take out the meat and egg). It works.

Pro move: Kimbap (Korean sushi rolls). Ask for “yachae kimbap” (vegetable rolls). Perfect snack for hikes, buses, or lazy mornings.

4. Convenience Stores Are... Surprisingly Helpful

Not gonna lie—I lived off of GS25 and CU snacks some nights. Here’s what got me through:

• Triangle kimbap (veggie options marked in green)

• Sweet potatoes (yes, warm and ready to eat!)

• Onigiri with pickled radish

• Soy milk and instant rice

It’s not gourmet, but it gets the job done when you’re tired or stranded on a rainy night.

5. Apps and Tools I Swore By

📱 HappyCow – Life saver. Filter by city and get directions to veg-friendly spots.

📱 Papago – For translating menus or asking “Does this have meat?” when your brain blanks out.

You’ll Be Fine. Really.

Was it always easy? No. Was it worth it? One hundred percent.

Being vegetarian in Korea taught me how to speak up, how to explore outside of my comfort zone, and how to appreciate every warm bowl of doenjang jjigae that didn’t surprise me with a fish base.

If you're heading to Korea, don’t stress too much. With a little planning, a few magic Korean phrases, and the spirit of adventure, you’ll eat well—and maybe even discover your new favorite meal.

And hey—if you're curious, save this guide or share your own veggie Korea story in the comments. You’re definitely not alone.