How to Eat Vegan in Korea Without Missing Out

G'day, eh? Or should I say, 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)? Having spent over four decades split between the great white north of Canada and the sprawling expanse of the U.S., with numerous trips back to the land of my heritage, I've seen Korea change dramatically. One area that has truly blossomed, albeit with its unique quirks, is the vegan food scene. For a long time, being vegan in Korea felt like navigating a culinary minefield blindfolded. But fear not! While it still requires effort and a bit of know-how, it's absolutely possible to eat incredibly well without missing out on the vibrant tastes Korea has to offer.

Let's be honest, Korean cuisine is often celebrated for its grilled meats, rich stews simmered with beef or anchovy broth, and banchan (side dishes) that are foundational to every meal. For a vegan, this can seem daunting. My early attempts often involved a lot of guesswork and occasionally, unintended consumption of something not plant-based. However, the good news is that veganism ('비건' - bee-guhn) is a term increasingly understood, especially in major cities like Seoul and Busan, and even on tourist hot spots like Jeju Island. There's a growing awareness, driven by local vegans and international visitors alike.

This guide, drawing on my experiences traversing the peninsula as someone deeply familiar with both Western and Korean cultures, will help you unlock the best of Korean vegan dining.

 

Mind the Language: Communicating Your Vegan Needs

Okay, let's start with the absolute basics: letting people know you're vegan. Simply saying '비건' (bee-guhn) is your best bet. It's a relatively new word in the Korean lexicon, but its usage is spreading. In hotels, especially international chains like the Four Seasons (more on them later!), and restaurants catering to foreigners, this word is usually understood.

However, the concept of 'vegan' as strictly avoiding all animal products (meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey, and derivatives like fish sauce or shrimp paste) isn't universally grasped, particularly in more traditional or smaller establishments. This is where it pays to be specific. You might need to explain what you don't eat.

Here are some phrases to keep handy (practice saying them or have them written down or in an image on your phone):

• "저는 비건입니다." (Jeo-neun bee-guhn-eem-nee-da.) - I am vegan.
• "고기 없이 주세요." (Go-gee up-ssee joo-seh-yo.) - Please give it to me without meat.
• "생선 없이 주세요." (Sehng-sun up-ssee joo-seh-yo.) - Please give it to me without fish.
• "우유 없이 주세요." (Oo-yoo up-ssee joo-seh-yo.) - Please give it to me without milk.
• "계란 없이 주세요." (Gyeh-rrahn up-ssee joo-seh-yo.) - Please give it to me without eggs.
• "해산물 없이 주세요." (Hae-sahn-mool up-ssee joo-seh-yo.) - Please give it to me without seafood. (Crucial for stocks/sauces!)
• "멸치 액젓/새우젓 없이 만들었나요?" (Myeol-chi aek-jeot/Sae-woo-jeot up-ssee mahn-deul-eoss-nah-yo?) - Was this made without anchovy sauce/shrimp paste? (Getting into the nitty-gritty here, and you might get a confused look, but worth a try!)

Carrying a small card or an image on your phone with these phrases in Korean can be a lifesaver when verbal communication is difficult. Don't be shy about showing it!

The Illusion of Vegan: Foods to Approach with Caution

One of the biggest challenges for new vegan visitors is that Korean cuisine often features a lot of vegetables, giving the appearance of being vegan-friendly. However, the devil is often in the details – specifically, the seasonings and broths. My Canadian-American palate, used to more straightforward plant-based preparations, took a while to adjust to the omnipresence of fish sauce, shrimp paste, or meat/anchovy broth.

Here's a rundown of common Korean foods that look vegan but very likely are not, unless explicitly stated otherwise or found at a dedicated vegan spot:

• Kimchi (김치): The national dish! Fermented cabbage (or other vegetables) sounds vegan, right? Wrong. Traditional kimchi almost always uses aekjeot (액젓 - fish sauce) or saeujeot (새우젓 - shrimp paste) as a key fermentation agent and flavor enhancer. Unless you are at a dedicated vegan restaurant that makes 'vegan kimchi' (비건 김치 - bee-guhn kimchi), assume it contains seafood.
• Most Banchan (반찬 - Side Dishes): These wonderful little dishes accompany almost every meal. While some like plain steamed vegetables or seasoned bean sprouts might be vegan, many others (including kimchi) are made in large batches and are likely seasoned with aekjeot or contain other non-vegan ingredients. It's very difficult to get clear ingredient information for individual banchan in a standard restaurant setting.
• Bibimbap (비빔밥): Often recommended as a safe option because it's rice with various seasoned vegetables (namul). However, those namul are frequently seasoned with aekjeot or other non-vegan components. The default sauce (gochujang) is usually vegan, but the vegetables underneath might not be. Again, unless it's a vegan restaurant or clearly labelled, be cautious.
• Stews and Soups (찌개/국): Even vegetable-heavy stews like Doenjang Jjigae (된장찌개 - soybean paste stew) are commonly made with anchovy or beef broth. Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개) uses kimchi (likely non-vegan) and often pork. Sundubu Jjigae (순두부찌개 - soft tofu stew) is usually made with a seafood or beef broth. Always ask if a '채식' (chaeshik - vegetarian, which is often closer to vegan in traditional contexts like temple food) version is available, but verify the broth base.
• Korean Street Food: While you might find vegan gems like Gyeranppang (계란빵 - egg bread, contains egg), this isn't one! Safe options in winter traditionally include Gungoguma (군고구마 - roasted sweet potato), Gunbam (군밤 - roasted chestnuts), and Ssiat Hotteok (씨앗호떡 - sweet seed-filled pancake, though check the dough/oil just in case). However, Tteokbokki (떡볶이 - spicy rice cakes) is almost always made with anchovy broth and often contains eomuk (어묵 - fish cakes). Kimbap (김밥 - seaweed rice rolls) often contains ham, beef, or fish cake fillings; while Yachae Kimbap (야채 김밥 - vegetable kimbap) sounds promising, the seasoned vegetables might not be vegan, and there's sometimes egg.
• Jeon (전 - savory pancakes): These savory pancakes can be made with various ingredients. While there are vegetable jeon, the batter itself can sometimes contain egg, anchovy broth, or even bits of seafood or pork.
• Most Noodle Dishes: Beyond Kong Guksu (see below), most Korean noodle dishes involve meat or seafood broth or sauces. Think Mul Naengmyeon (물냉면 - cold buckwheat noodles in a beef broth) or Japchae (잡채 - glass noodles often stir-fried with meat).

Understanding these potential pitfalls is half the battle. It means you know what questions to ask and what to be wary of in standard restaurants.

Finding Your Vegan Oasis: Dedicated Spots and Vegan Options

The good news is that the vegan scene in Korea is booming! Especially in Seoul and Jeju, you can find dedicated vegan restaurants and cafes offering everything from traditional Korean temple food to Western comfort food and creative pastries.

Dedicated Vegan Restaurants:

These places are your safe havens. You can usually order anything on the menu without worry.

• Plant Cafe (Seoul: Itaewon, Yeonnam-dong): A pioneer in the Seoul vegan scene, offering mostly Western-style dishes like burgers, pasta, and hearty salads. Great place for a comforting, familiar meal.
• Overte Donuts (Seoul): Vegan donuts and coffee. Their donuts are creative and delicious - a real treat!
• Hangwachae (한과채 - Seoul): Located underground (sometimes literally!), this place serves traditional, often temple-food-inspired, Korean vegan meals in a baekban (set meal with rice and many side dishes) style. A great way to experience authentic Korean flavors, veganized.
• Balwoo Gongyang (발우공양 - Seoul): An upscale temple food restaurant. This is a fine-dining experience focused on traditional Buddhist temple cuisine, which is inherently vegan (no meat, fish, or the "five pungent vegetables" - onion, garlic, leek, scallion, chives). It's pricey but offers a unique cultural and culinary experience.
• Loving Hut (various locations, including Jeju): Part of an international chain, Loving Hut offers a mix of Korean and international dishes, often using mock meats. The Jeju location is known for incorporating local ingredients.

Restaurants with Great Vegan Options:

These places aren't fully vegan, but they have specific menus or dishes that are clearly vegan-friendly. This is becoming more common.

• The Four Seasons Hotel (Seoul): I was genuinely impressed by their commitment to vegan options.
  • The Market Kitchen (Buffet): Clearly labeled vegan options across various stations - vegan bread, porridge (jook), grilled vegetables, even vegan mandu (dumplings) and kimbap! A fantastic option for a substantial, worry-free breakfast.
  • Maru Lounge: They have a separate vegan menu featuring Korean classics like vegan bibimbap, bulgogi, galbijjim, and Western items like a vegan burger. High quality, though expect hotel prices.
  • Garden Terrace (Seasonal): Offered a delicious vegan tofu burger during the summer.
• Leedorim Cafe (Seoul): This cafe has a good selection of vegan baked goods, including croissants and tarts. A nice spot for a coffee and a sweet treat.
• Sindongyang Chinese Restaurant (신동양 - Seoul): Known for Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles). Ask for their '초록색 메뉴' (choroksaek meh-nyu - green menu) for vegan options, including vegan Jajangmyeon. Note: staff can sometimes be a bit curt, but the vegan options are there.
• Jihwaja (지화자 - Seoul): A high-end Korean Imperial Cuisine restaurant that offers a separate vegan course menu. Beautifully prepared, but definitely a splurge.
• Deokseongwon (덕성원 - Jeju): A famous Chinese restaurant on Jeju Island. You can specifically ask for '채식 짜장면' (chaeshik jajangmyeon - vegetarian jajangmyeon) or '간짜장' (ganjjajang - dry style jajangmyeon, which is often easier to make vegan by omitting meat) and they will prepare it without meat or seafood. This was a game-changer on Jeju!

(Note: The context mentioned a couple of places as 'disappointing' for specific reasons - Maru Natural Kimbap, Boccalino by Four Seasons, Jinju Hoegwan. While personal experiences vary, it's worth being aware that not every place lives up to expectations or is a perfect fit for everyone's vegan needs.)

Vegan Survival Kit: Essential Tips for Eating in Korea

Based on years of navigating this delicious landscape, here are my top tips for making your vegan journey in Korea as smooth and enjoyable as possible:

1. Download the HappyCow App: This is your primary resource for finding vegan, vegetarian, and veg-friendly restaurants worldwide, and it's quite comprehensive for Korea, especially in major cities.
2. Get Naver Maps: While Google Maps is great elsewhere, Naver Maps (네이버 지도) is far superior for navigation, public transport info, and finding local businesses in Korea. Crucially, searching for "비건" (bee-guhn) on Naver Maps often brings up places HappyCow might miss, and provides accurate opening hours, directions, and reviews.
3. Don't Be Afraid to Say "비건": As mentioned, the word is becoming recognized. Even if they don't fully grasp the nuances, it's the best starting point. Combine it with pointing to ingredient lists or using prepared phrases if needed.
4. Skip Conventional Bakeries (Mostly): Large chains like Tous Les Jours (뚜레쥬르) and Paris Baguette (파리바게뜨) rely heavily on butter, eggs, and milk. You'll find very little, if anything, is vegan. Seek out dedicated vegan bakeries or cafes like Overte or Leedorim.
5. Stick to Dedicated Vegan/Veg Options: In typical Korean restaurants without specific vegan labels, it's incredibly difficult to guarantee a dish is 100% vegan due to hidden ingredients in bases and side dishes. Focus on places known for vegan options or specifically asking for '채식' (chaeshik) versions and confirming ingredients if possible.
6. Research Coffee Shops: Korea has an incredible coffee culture. However, not all cafes offer plant-based milk options (soy, oat, almond). Research ahead or be prepared to ask "두유 있어요?" (doo-yoo iss-eo-yo? - Do you have soy milk?). Oat milk is becoming more common.
7. Leverage Your Hotel Concierge: If you're staying at a good hotel, the concierge can be a fantastic resource. They are often knowledgeable about local dining and can sometimes call restaurants to check on vegan options for you.
8. Uber Works (Sort Of): Getting around can be easier with ride-sharing. Uber does function in Korea, though it might not be as ubiquitous or seamless as in North America. Kakao Taxi is the dominant local app, but requires a local phone number/account setup which can be tricky for short-term visitors. Having Uber as a backup can reduce stress.
9. Tap into Social Media: Search hashtags like #veganinkorea, #비건맛집 (vegan restaurants), #서울비건 (Seoul vegan) on Instagram or Facebook. You'll find recommendations and might even connect with local vegans who are incredibly welcoming and helpful.
10. Remember It's More Than Just Food: While navigating vegan options takes effort, don't let it consume your entire trip! Korea offers incredible history, culture, shopping, nature, and experiences. Plan your meals, yes, but make sure you're also soaking in everything else this amazing country has to offer.

Eating vegan in Korea has its challenges, particularly if you want to fully immerse yourself in traditional cuisine without compromise. However, with a bit of preparation, the right tools (apps!), and knowing where to look (dedicated restaurants are your friends!), you can enjoy a wide array of delicious, satisfying meals while respecting your dietary choices. The scene is constantly evolving, with new places popping up all the time, making it an exciting time to be a vegan traveler in Korea.

Happy vegan travels, and enjoy the amazing sights and tastes of Korea!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Eating Vegan in Korea

Q: Is it easy to find vegan food in Korea?

A: It is becoming much easier, especially in major cities like Seoul and on Jeju Island. Dedicated vegan restaurants and cafes are growing in number, and some mainstream establishments are starting to offer clearly marked vegan options. However, in traditional or smaller restaurants, finding reliably vegan food can still be challenging due to hidden animal ingredients in sauces and broths.

Q: How can I tell restaurant staff I am vegan?

A: The best way is to say "저는 비건입니다" (Jeo-neun bee-guhn-eem-nee-da) or simply "비건" (bee-guhn). Be prepared to also specify ingredients you avoid, such as meat (고기 - go-gee), fish (생선 - sehng-sun), milk (우유 - oo-yoo), and eggs (계란 - gyeh-rrahn), especially mentioning seafood or anchovy products commonly used in broths and sauces.

Q: Are typical Korean dishes like Bibimbap or Kimchi vegan?

A: Generally, no. While they are vegetable-heavy, the vegetables in Bibimbap are often seasoned with non-vegan ingredients, and traditional Kimchi uses fish sauce or shrimp paste. Soups and stews often use meat or anchovy broth. You need to seek out dedicated vegan versions or restaurants that specifically cater to vegans.

Q: What are some naturally vegan Korean foods?

A: Some traditional foods can be vegan, though often with caveats. Tteok (rice cakes) made from rice, salt, and water are usually vegan (check for honey in sweet ones). Kong Guksu (cold soybean noodles) is typically plant-based but check the side dishes. Certain types of Jook (rice porridge) like pumpkin or red bean porridge are often vegan. Winter street foods like roasted sweet potatoes and chestnuts are usually safe.

Q: Are there vegan-friendly bakeries in Korea?

A: Standard large Korean bakeries (like Paris Baguette) use a lot of dairy and eggs and have few, if any, vegan options. However, there are dedicated vegan bakeries and cafes like Overte Donuts and Leedorim Cafe in Seoul that offer excellent vegan baked goods.

Q: What apps are helpful for finding vegan food in Korea?

A: HappyCow is excellent for finding dedicated vegan and veg-friendly places. Naver Maps (네이버 지도), the primary map app in Korea, is also crucial. Search for "비건" (bee-guhn) on Naver Maps to find local listings and check opening hours, which are often more accurate than Google Maps for local businesses.

Q: Can I find plant-based milk options in Korean cafes?

A: Yes, plant-based milk (두유 - doo-yoo, soy milk being the most common traditionally, with oat milk gaining popularity) is increasingly available, especially in larger or more modern cafes in urban areas. It's always best to ask before ordering.

Q: Is temple food (사찰음식 - sachal eumsik ) vegan?

A: Yes, traditional Korean temple food is naturally vegan. It adheres to strict Buddhist principles which forbid the consumption of meat, fish, and the five pungent vegetables (onion, garlic, leek, scallion, chives). Restaurants specializing in temple food, like Balwoo Gongyang or Hangwachae, are excellent places to experience authentic, high-quality vegan Korean cuisine.