Understanding Veganism in Korea: Vegan options in South Korea are quite limited, especially outside of high-end or niche vegan restaurants. The local understanding of veganism is low, and many dishes labeled as vegetarian or vegan may still contain animal products, like fish sauce in kimchi or non-vegan sugar. Most Korean vegetarians are health-focused rather than morally driven, so they might not avoid ingredients like seafood sauces.
Where to Eat:
- Traditional Korean Restaurants: They usually don’t customize dishes, and vegan options are rare. Dishes like bibimbap can be made vegan by requesting no egg (use the phrase: 계란 빼주세요, Gyeran BaeJuseyo), but beware of hidden non-vegan ingredients.
- Vegan-Friendly Restaurants: It’s best to stick to specific vegan restaurants or those known to offer vegan options. Some recommended spots include:
- Osegye Hyang (Insadong) – Traditional Korean vegan food
- Plant Cafe (Itaewon/Hongdae) – Western-style vegan food
- Balwoo Gongyang (near Jogye Temple, Insadong) – Buddhist cuisine
- Mahina Vegan Table, Vegan Kitchen, ByTOFU, Nammi Plant Lab, Overte Donuts, Coconuzm – Various vegan-friendly options
- Wagas – Known for smoothies and vegan wraps
- Buffet Options: Consider visiting buffet-style vegan or vegetarian restaurants for more variety.
- Western Chains: Some, like McDonald’s, offer basic vegan options (like fries), but choices are very limited.
Exploring and Shopping:
- Naver Map and Happy Cow are good resources to find vegan-friendly spots.
- Wholey Market hosts pop-up events with vegan vendors, and convenience stores are starting to offer more vegan snacks.
Additional Tips:
- eSim: Use an international eSim like Airalo to access Western websites and save on roaming charges.
- Payments: Set up Alipay with your credit card since many places don’t accept Visa, Mastercard, or Amex.
- Safety: Be cautious of scooters, even when pedestrian lights are green.
Despite the challenges, with some research and preparation, you can enjoy a variety of vegan-friendly options in South Korea. Enjoy your trip!