Hongdae Area: A Haven for Vegan & Health-Conscious Eaters!
Hongdae (Hongdae), the cultural hub of Seoul, South Korea, along with its neighboring Yeonnam-dong and Mangwon-dong areas, is an energetic district where trendy locals, international students on mid-to-long-term stays, and tourists from all over the world converge.
In recent years, interest in organic and plant-based foods has surged in this area, leading to the continuous opening of high-level vegan restaurants and cafes. These spots are not only highly recommended for strict vegans but also for non-vegans who might want to ‘give their stomach a break during travel’ or ‘try new dishes using traditional Korean ingredients’.
This time, we’ve carefully selected three outstanding establishments in the Hongdae area that go beyond just ‘healthy eating’, focusing meticulously on taste and ambiance. We’ll also share local insider tips and important considerations, so be sure to reference this guide for your next Seoul trip!
Plant Yeonnam🪴
📍 Address: 87 World Cup buk-ro 4-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
This is the Yeonnam-dong branch of ‘Plant’, an immensely popular vegan restaurant that originated in Itaewon (Itaewon), now located right next to Hongdae. Their main offerings include colorful and nutritious bowl dishes and hearty, satisfying wrap sandwiches. It has garnered enthusiastic support from travelers looking for a change from Korean cuisine and from the local expat community.
Absolute must-tries include the ‘Steak Strip & Bean Burrito Wrap’ and the ‘Chipotle Wrap’. With their incredible volume and punchy seasoning, you’ll be completely satisfied from the first bite, defying expectations for vegan food. For dessert, indulge in their handmade vegan cakes like ‘Pistachio Cake’ or ‘Caramel Apple Cake’. These subtly sweet cakes with a crispy texture are a favorite among regulars when ordered warm à la mode.
The interior features an open kitchen, allowing you to watch fresh vegetables being expertly prepared. Many staff members are international and English-speaking; in particular, a staff member (a British woman named Tiffany, highly praised in reviews) known for her bright and friendly service helps ease any anxieties about being in a foreign country. Orders are placed conveniently via a kiosk (touch-panel terminal), but during lunch, the place is constantly bustling with international customers, so local information channels like KakaoTalk recommend ‘aiming for after 1:30 PM’ as the best time to visit.
URT Vegan Restaurant & Bakery
📍 Address: Republic of Korea Seoul, Mapo-gu, World Cup buk-ro 7-gil, 34 1층
‘URT (얼트)’ is lauded as ‘one of the top vegan bakeries visited in Asia’. As its name, meaning ‘herb/vegetable’ in Danish, suggests, you can enjoy exquisite bread and dishes made with an abundance of carefully selected organic local ingredients.
The reason for this establishment’s exceptional quality lies in the impressive backgrounds of the owning couple. The wife is a brilliant pastry chef who completed a vegan pastry course in Spain and graduated at the top of her class from the National Institute of Baking and Patisserie (INBP) in France. Her husband is a skilled chef who completed courses at the Royal Thai Cuisine Academy and the Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani. The dishes created by the fusion of their techniques are truly works of art.
For dinner, the ‘Gosari (Fern) and Perilla Oil Pasta’ is an absolute must-try. This innovative dish maximizes the umami of gosari, a traditional Korean namul ingredient, and the fragrant aroma of perilla oil, without using chili peppers. For breakfast or lunch, pastries like the ‘Croissant’ with its crispy exterior and fluffy interior, or the ‘Olive Cheese Ciabatta’ are highly recommended. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped onto a street corner in Europe.
As a welcome tip, while URT doesn’t have an espresso machine, you can bring bread purchased here to the nearby affiliated cafe, ‘The Bird Coffee Lab’, to enjoy with delicious coffee. Pets are also welcome (even large dogs), making it a cozy spot where you can feel the warmth of the local community.
Around Green
📍 Address: Republic of Korea Seoul, Donggyo-ro, 44-12nd floor
Tucked away on the second floor of an alley in an area bustling with stylish cafes and unique shops is ‘Around Green’. This restaurant originally gained fame as a completely vegan establishment and still attracts many fans today. The interior is adorned with cute trinkets and postcards, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere.
The menu is diverse, featuring pizzas, pastas, and rice bowls, with ‘dishes utilizing tofu and eggplant’ and ‘Rosé Pasta’ being particularly popular. The deep flavors characteristic of each dish are fully realized, completely eliminating the ‘unsatisfying’ feeling often associated with vegan cuisine. As a single chef meticulously prepares each dish, it may take a little longer for your food to arrive, but the piping hot deliciousness is well worth the wait. It’s also a nice bonus that you can visit with your pet if you contact them in advance.
【※Important Note for Travelers】
While it was once a 100% vegan restaurant, recent reviews and information suggest that it has transitioned to a ‘vegan-option-available’ establishment, with non-vegan menu items (such as chicken and seafood) now offered. There may also be slight discrepancies in menu descriptions at the kiosk (e.g., differences between brown rice and white rice). Therefore, if you require strict vegan or Halal compliance, it’s highly recommended to directly confirm with staff when ordering by stating ‘Please make it vegan’.
Tips for Enjoying Vegan Gourmet in the Hongdae Area Smartly
In Korean restaurants, animal-derived broths (like seafood extracts) are often used unknowingly, which can make menu selection difficult for vegetarians and vegans. However, the Hongdae, Yeonnam, and Mangwon areas are home to many renowned establishments with clear concepts, allowing you to enjoy your meals with peace of mind.
All the restaurants introduced this time are highly popular, so they can get very crowded during peak hours from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Visiting a bit later, after 1:30 PM, or opting for takeout to enjoy a picnic in a nearby park are great ways to experience it like a local.
Even if you don’t speak Korean, more and more establishments are now introducing English-compatible kiosks (self-ordering machines). The relaxed cooperation between neighboring businesses, such as bringing food from URT to ‘The Bird Coffee Lab’, is also a charm of this area. Through delicious plant-based meals, be sure to experience Seoul’s latest lifestyle and the warm community atmosphere!
