Now, vegetarian or vegan travelers can visit one of the best places in Asia to find one of their favorite dishes: Seoul. Though meat and seafood are not synonymous with Korea, the city has a variety of veggie restaurants, Buddhist temple food, and vegetarian-friendly coffee shops. Be it classic Korean dishes or vegan cuisine, Seoul offers tasty food to all kinds of travellers.
Seoul is a wonderful place for vegetarians
The number of vegetarian restaurants in Seoul has increased significantly over the past few years. There are now many restaurants that have special vegetarian and vegan menus, and in traditional Korean temple cuisine, fresh vegetables, grains, tofu, mushrooms, and seasonal ingredients are the main features. Many neighborhoods such as Itaewon, Hongdae, Insadong, or Gangnam are particularly attractive for vegetarian meals.
The best places to find vegetarian food
For international vegans, Itaewon offers numerous vegan restaurants and cafés; for those who want to taste the true Korean Buddhist temple cuisine, you should find it in Insadong. Students and tourists love Hongdae for its cheap vegetarian cafés and street food. For those looking for a high-end plant-based meal, there are stylish vegan restaurants in Gangnam that are sure to please your taste buds.
The top 20 Korean Vegetarian dishes you should try
vegetarian tourists should visit Vegetable Bibimbap, Japchae (glass noodles), Vegetable Kimbap, Hotteok (sweet pancakes), Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and the temple food (traditional vegetarian dishes at the Buddhist temples). Some Korean food might contain fish sauce or anchovy broth, so it is important to always check the ingredients when ordering Korean food.
Eating out on a Plant-Based Diet? Popular Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
Vegetarian tourists should visit Vegetable Bibimbap, Japchae (glass noodles), Vegetable Kimbap, Hotteok (sweet pancakes), Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and the temple food (traditional vegetarian dishes at the Buddhist temples). Some Korean food might contain fish sauce or anchovy broth, so it is important to always check the ingredients when ordering Korean food.
For vegetarians, there are some handy tips to keep in mind when traveling
You can find vegetarian restaurants in the vicinity easily by using applications such as HappyCow. Simple Korean phrases like “No meat, please” can also be of assistance when ordering food. Vegetable kimbap, fresh fruit, soy milk, and other vegetarian options are often easily found in convenience stores throughout Seoul.
Conclusion
In 2026, Seoul will be a great place for vegetarians, featuring a mix of traditional Korean dishes and veg-friendly options. The city offers a wide choice of food, from authentic temple dishes to casual cafés and fine dining, to suit all tastes and budgets. It’s easy to keep enjoying great tastes of vegetarian dishes no matter where you are, with a little planning in Seoul.
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