Seoul

Comprehensive Guide to Vegan and Vegetarian Options in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul, South Korea, is a vibrant city with a rich culinary culture. While traditional Korean cuisine is often meat- and seafood-heavy, the city has seen a growing interest in veganism and vegetarianism in recent years. With a mix of traditional plant-based dishes, modern vegan restaurants, and international influences, Seoul offers a variety of options for plant-based eaters. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate vegan and vegetarian dining in Seoul.

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1. Popular Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Seoul

Seoul has a growing number of vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Fully Vegan Restaurants

1. Plant Café & Kitchen (Itaewon)

   • Cuisine: Western-inspired vegan dishes like burgers, pasta, and desserts.
   • Highlights: Vegan cheesecake, lentil veggie burger, and hearty salads.
   • Cost: ₩15,000–₩25,000 per person.
   • Atmosphere: Cozy and welcoming, popular among expats and locals alike.

2. Loving Hut (Multiple Locations)

   • Cuisine: Korean and international vegan dishes.
   • Highlights: Vegan bibimbap, soy-based bulgogi, and noodle soups.
   • Cost: ₩8,000–₩15,000 per person.
   • Atmosphere: Casual and budget-friendly.

3. Osegyehyang (Insadong)

   • Cuisine: Traditional Korean vegan food.
   • Highlights: Vegan dumplings, mushroom hot pot, and soy-based bulgogi.
   • Cost: ₩10,000–₩20,000 per person.
   • Atmosphere: Traditional Korean-style seating available.

4. The Bread Blue (Sinchon)

   • Cuisine: Vegan bakery and café.
   • Highlights: Vegan pastries, cakes, and sandwiches.
   • Cost: ₩5,000–₩15,000 per item.
   • Atmosphere: Relaxed and modern.

Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants

1. Balwoo Gongyang (Jongno)

   • Cuisine: Temple cuisine (Buddhist-inspired vegetarian food).
   • Highlights: Multi-course meals with seasonal vegetables and fermented foods.
   • Cost: ₩30,000–₩70,000 per person.
   • Atmosphere: Upscale and serene.

2. Vegetus (Itaewon)

   • Cuisine: Vegan comfort food with a focus on brunch items.
   • Highlights: Vegan pancakes, tofu scramble, and plant-based burgers.
   • Cost: ₩15,000–₩25,000 per person.
   • Atmosphere: Trendy and casual.

3. Café Sukkara (Hongdae)

   • Cuisine: Organic and vegetarian-friendly dishes.
   • Highlights: Grain bowls, tofu dishes, and fresh juices.
   • Cost: ₩10,000–₩20,000 per person.
   • Atmosphere: Rustic and eco-friendly.

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2. Food Delivery Services for Vegans and Vegetarians

Seoul has a robust food delivery culture, and many apps now cater to vegan and vegetarian preferences. Popular platforms include:

• Coupang Eats: Offers a filter for vegetarian and vegan options.
• Baedal Minjok (Baemin): Some restaurants label vegan or vegetarian dishes.
• Shuttle Delivery: English-friendly app with vegan and vegetarian restaurant options.
• Market Kurly: Grocery delivery service with vegan and organic products.

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3. Ingredients to Look For or Avoid in Traditional Korean Dishes

Ingredients to Avoid

• Meat and Seafood: Many Korean dishes include beef, pork, chicken, or seafood as a base.
• Fish Sauce (멸치액젓, myeolchi aekjeot): Common in kimchi and soups.
• Anchovy Broth (멸치육수, myeolchi yuksu): Used in many soups and stews.
• Eggs (계란, gyeran): Found in bibimbap, pancakes, and fried rice.
• Dairy: Cheese and butter are increasingly used in modern Korean dishes.

Ingredients to Look For

• Tofu (두부, dubu): Widely used in soups, stews, and side dishes.
• Vegetables: Korean cuisine features a variety of vegetables, including spinach, radish, mushrooms, and zucchini.
• Soy Sauce (간장, ganjang): A vegan-friendly seasoning (check for additives).
• Rice (밥, bap): A staple in Korean meals.
• Kimchi (김치): Some varieties are vegan, but many contain fish sauce—ask before consuming.
• Doenjang (된장): Fermented soybean paste, often vegan but check for added seafood.

Vegan-Friendly Traditional Dishes

• Bibimbap (비빔밥): Order without meat, egg, or gochujang (check for fish sauce).
• Japchae (잡채): Sweet potato noodles with vegetables (ask for no meat or egg).
• Kongguksu (콩국수): Cold soy milk noodle soup.
• Banchan (반찬): Side dishes like pickled radish, seasoned spinach, and braised tofu (confirm ingredients).

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4. Average Costs for Vegan and Vegetarian Dining

• Casual Dining: ₩8,000–₩15,000 per person.
• Mid-Range Restaurants: ₩15,000–₩30,000 per person.
• Upscale Dining: ₩30,000–₩70,000 per person.
• Cafés and Bakeries: ₩5,000–₩15,000 per item.

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5. Cultural Tips for Dining as a Vegan or Vegetarian

1. Learn Key Phrases:

   • "I don’t eat meat, fish, or animal products."
     • Korean: "저는 고기, 생선, 동물성 제품을 먹지 않아요." (Jeoneun gogi, saengseon, dongmulseong jepumeul meokji anayo.)
   • "Is this vegan/vegetarian?"
     • Korean: "이거 비건/채식주의자용인가요?" (Igeo bigeon/chaesikjuuijayongingayo?)

2. Ask Questions: Many Koreans may not fully understand veganism or vegetarianism, so be specific about what you avoid (e.g., no fish sauce, no broth made from meat).

3. Temple Food: Buddhist temple cuisine (사찰음식, sachal eumsik) is inherently vegan and offers a unique cultural experience.

4. Be Flexible: In non-vegan restaurants, you may need to request modifications to dishes (e.g., no meat, no egg).

5. Supermarkets: Visit stores like Emart, Homeplus, or Lotte Mart for plant-based groceries. Specialty stores like iHerb Korea and Foreign Food Mart in Itaewon also stock vegan products.

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6. Local and Cultural Considerations

• Dining Etiquette: Sharing food is common in Korean culture. If dining with locals, explain your dietary preferences beforehand to avoid confusion.
• Hidden Ingredients: Be cautious of hidden animal products in sauces, broths, and marinades.
• Community: Join vegan and vegetarian groups on platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Vegan Korea") to connect with others and get recommendations.
• Seasonal Foods: Take advantage of Korea’s seasonal produce, such as persimmons in autumn and strawberries in winter.

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Conclusion

While navigating vegan and vegetarian dining in Seoul may require some effort, the city offers a growing number of options to accommodate plant-based diets. By exploring dedicated vegan restaurants, modifying traditional dishes, and leveraging food delivery services, you can enjoy a diverse and satisfying culinary experience in Seoul. With a little preparation and cultural awareness, you’ll find that Seoul is an exciting destination for vegan and vegetarian travelers.