Can a Vegetarian Survive in Korea? A Comprehensive Guide

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

While Korean cuisine is famously meat-centric, the number of vegetarian and vegan options in South Korea has been steadily increasing, especially in urban areas like Seoul. So, can a vegetarian survive in Korea? The answer is a resounding yes, though it requires some preparation and an understanding of the local food culture.

Quick Summary

Yes, a vegetarian can survive in Korea, but success hinges on preparation. You must understand hidden ingredients, learn key phrases, and seek out specific restaurants, particularly temple food establishments, for truly meat-free options.

Key Points

Hidden Ingredients: Be aware that many broths and sauces in Korea contain animal products like anchovy stock or fish sauce.
Learn Key Phrases: Memorizing simple Korean phrases for what you don't eat can help overcome language barriers in restaurants.
Seek Out Temple Food: For guaranteed vegetarian and vegan dishes, look for Buddhist temple food restaurants which are inherently plant-based.
Use Technology: Utilize apps like HappyCow to find dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants, especially in major cities like Seoul.
Consider Cooking: If staying long-term or on a budget, renting a place with a kitchen and shopping at local markets offers the most control over your diet.
Research Your Destination: While major cities have growing options, rural areas will likely be much more challenging for vegetarians.

Navigating the Korean Culinary Landscape as a Vegetarian

South Korea's food scene is known for its bold flavors and communal dining, but traditional cooking practices can pose challenges for vegetarians. Many seemingly harmless vegetable dishes and broths are made with animal products like fish sauce or anchovy stock. Therefore, navigating the cuisine requires more than simply avoiding meat visible on the plate; it demands an understanding of the underlying ingredients.

For many years, vegetarianism in Korea was primarily associated with Buddhist traditions, leading to a vibrant and naturally plant-based temple food culture. While this is an excellent and safe option, the growth of modern veganism has led to a recent boom in dedicated vegan and vegetarian restaurants, especially in major cities.

Essential Korean Phrases and Communication

Language can be a significant barrier when clarifying dietary needs. While some younger Koreans and restaurant staff in tourist-heavy areas may understand, it's safer to have key phrases prepared. Relying solely on the word for 'vegetarian' (채식주의자, chaesik ju-ui-ja) can be risky, as the local definition may be looser than in Western countries. Sometimes, stating an allergy can be more effective to ensure your request is taken seriously.

저는 채식주의자예요. (Jeoneun chaesik ju-ui-ja-yeyo.) - I am a vegetarian.
고기/생선/해산물/계란/유제품 안 먹어요. (Gogi/saengseon/haesanmul/gyeran/yujepum an meogeoyo.) - I don't eat meat/fish/seafood/eggs/dairy products.
~ 빼고 주세요. (~ ppaego juseyo.) - Please remove the ~.
육수 대신 맹물로 끓여 주세요. (Yuksu daesin maengmullo kkeuryeo juseyo.) - Please boil it in plain water instead of broth.

Korean Dishes to Look For (and be Cautious with)

Fortunately, several popular Korean dishes can be vegetarian or made vegetarian with small modifications. However, always confirm the ingredients as recipes can vary.

Bibimbap: This mixed rice dish with vegetables is a fantastic option. Always ask for it without meat (gogi) and egg (gyeran). Some versions may contain hidden meat or a fish-based gochujang, so clarify.
Gimbap: Korean rice rolls. Opt for vegetable (yachae) gimbap, but explicitly ask for it without egg, ham, or imitation crab meat.
Japchae: Stir-fried glass noodles. Usually a good choice, but confirm no meat or fish is added.
Mandu (Dumplings): Many dumpling places offer vegetable options, but cross-contamination is a risk. Seek out specialized restaurants for peace of mind.
Temple Food (Sanchon or Balwoo Gongyang): The gold standard for safe, high-quality Korean vegetarian food. These restaurants are naturally vegan and delicious, focusing on fresh, seasonal vegetables.
Korean Street Food: Hotteok (sweet pancakes) and Tanghulu (candied fruit) are generally safe, but approach others like Tteokbokki and Bindaetteok with caution due to potential anchovy broth or pork ingredients.

Comparison of Dining Options for Vegetarians


Dining Option	Pros	Cons	Best For
Dedicated Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants	Guaranteed meat-free; often serve vegan versions of popular Korean dishes; English-speaking staff more common	Can be clustered in certain areas (e.g., Seoul); often pricier than local eateries	High-end dining, authentic Korean classics, and international food with zero hassle
Temple Food Restaurants	Inherently vegetarian/vegan; focuses on seasonal, healthy ingredients; a unique cultural experience	Can be pricier; flavor profile may differ from mainstream Korean cooking (often no alliums)	Traditional, safe, and clean eating
General Korean Restaurants	Widely available; allows for more spontaneous dining; can sometimes offer a vegetarian option	High risk of hidden meat/fish ingredients; language barrier is a major issue; cross-contamination is likely	Confident communicators, or for very specific known-safe vegetable dishes
Cooking at Home	Full control over ingredients; most affordable option; wide selection of fresh produce available	Requires access to a kitchen; can be limiting if you want to experience local restaurants	Budget-conscious travelers or long-term residents

Recommendations for a Successful Trip

Research in Advance: Use apps like HappyCow to find vegetarian-friendly restaurants and check their reviews before you go. This is particularly crucial outside of major metropolitan hubs like Seoul and Busan.
Cook at Home: Staying in an Airbnb or a place with kitchen access can be a game-changer. Korean supermarkets offer a vast array of fresh vegetables, tofu, and other staples. Large chains like Lotte Mart are also increasing their plant-based meat alternative offerings.
Understand the Food Culture: For many Koreans, the concept of a dish without meat, even broth, is unfamiliar. Don't be surprised or offended by a lack of understanding. Be polite, patient, and use clear, direct communication.
Look to International Cuisine: If you find yourself struggling, larger cities have a growing number of Indian, Thai, and other international restaurants that reliably offer vegetarian options.

Conclusion: Adapting and Thriving

Ultimately, a vegetarian can not only survive but thrive in Korea with the right approach. While the food culture presents unique challenges, the expanding availability of vegan and vegetarian establishments, coupled with the rich tradition of temple cuisine, provides plenty of options. The key is to be proactive in your research and communication, and to embrace cooking at home when dining out isn't feasible. With a little preparation, you can enjoy Korea's vibrant culture and delicious food without compromising your dietary principles.

Source: Visit Korea - Tips for Vegetarians

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it can be challenging, especially outside major cities and in traditional restaurants where broths and side dishes often contain meat or fish products. However, with careful planning and research, it is absolutely manageable.

Some street food, like Hotteok (sweet pancake) or Tanghulu (candied fruit), is vegetarian. However, many other popular items like Tteokbokki (rice cakes) and some pancakes use anchovy broth or contain meat, so it is necessary to ask.

Yes, dishes like Bibimbap (rice with vegetables), Japchae (glass noodles), and Yachae Gimbap (vegetable rice rolls) can be made vegetarian by requesting the removal of meat, egg, or fish-based ingredients.

Temple food is traditional Korean cuisine developed by Buddhist monks and is naturally vegetarian or vegan, using seasonal vegetables and abstaining from meat, fish, and typically strong-flavored alliums.

It can be more effective to specify what you don't eat rather than stating you are vegetarian. Use phrases like 'I don't eat meat or fish' (Gogi-rang saengseon an meogeoyo) and list individual items to remove (~ ppaego juseyo).

No. While many banchan are vegetable-based, many are seasoned with fish sauce (aekjeot), shrimp paste (saeujeot), or dried anchovies (myeolchi). Always check or stick to safer options like bean sprout salad (kongnamul muchim) or pickled radish (danmuji).

Dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants are most numerous in major cities like Seoul, particularly in neighborhoods such as Itaewon and Insadong. The HappyCow app is an excellent resource for finding these locations.