Discovering Top-Tier Vegan Cuisine in Seoul’s Most Diverse District
Itaewon, a vibrant district in Seoul, South Korea, is known for its incredible mix of multinational and multicultural influences. This bustling area, where people gather from all over the world, serves as an ‘oasis’ for travelers and long-term residents with diverse dietary backgrounds, including vegans, vegetarians, and those seeking halal options.
In recent years, driven by growing health consciousness and interest in sustainability, Seoul has seen a rapid increase in restaurants exclusively using plant-based ingredients. These aren’t just places that ‘don’t use animal products’; the offerings span a wide range, from hearty burgers that satisfy your junk food cravings to sophisticated fusion dishes featured in the Michelin Guide, and even traditional Korean cuisine.
This guide introduces a carefully curated selection of ‘truly delicious vegan restaurants’ primarily in the Itaewon area that you absolutely must visit during your stay in Seoul. We’ll also provide practical tips for navigating these spots, including the availability of English menus and ease of ordering, so make sure to check it out!
Plant Cafe Seoul
📍 Address: 117 Bogwang-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
A pioneering 100% vegan cafe that has spearheaded Itaewon’s vegan culture. The interior is lush with greenery, offering an airy and relaxed atmosphere. Beyond Korean staff, friendly multinational team members from around the world are present, making smooth English communication a welcome advantage for travelers and students.
The menu items boast incredibly high quality for plant-based dishes, and all are wonderfully filling! You’ll find a rich variety of international cuisine, including the most popular ‘Mushroom Burger’ and ‘Caesar Wrap,’ spicy ‘Green Thai Curry,’ and the ‘Tempeh and Hummus Bowl,’ which is highly praised by health-conscious diners. After tiring yourself out from sightseeing or a DMZ tour, the combination of a ‘powerful green smoothie’ and a ‘vegan beef bowl’ provides a level of satisfaction truly worthy of being called a food paradise.
Also not to be missed are the homemade vegan pastries displayed in the showcase. With a wide array of cakes and tarts, repeat customers who found themselves ‘visiting every day during their Seoul stay’ are countless due to their irresistible deliciousness. As it can get crowded during weekend lunchtimes, visiting a bit outside peak hours is recommended.
ALT.a
📍 Address: 109 Bogwang-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Nestled on a quiet street in Itaewon, ‘ALT.a’ is an acclaimed vegan Asian restaurant that has been recognized by the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand. Based on Korean-Chinese cuisine (Chinese dishes with a Korean interpretation), it offers innovative menus utilizing the plant-based alternative meat ‘Veef.’ With a calm, woody interior and vegan wines on offer, it’s perfect for those seeking a relaxed adult dinner away from the hustle and bustle.
The absolute must-try signature dishes are ‘Yulin-yuk’ (vegan fried ‘chicken’ with sauce) and ‘Jajangmyeon’ (black bean noodles). The Yulin-yuk features plant-based meat topped with plenty of vegetables and a spicy-sour sauce, offering a surprisingly meaty texture and refreshing taste. Also highly praised are the ‘Mushroom White Soup’ (white Jjampong), packed with mushroom and vegetable umami that defies its rich image, and the chewy ‘Naengmyeon’ (cold noodles). While many dishes are fried and substantial due to the Chinese base, the prices are incredibly reasonable, offering excellent value for money.
Please note that they use a pre-payment system where ordering and payment are done at your table, and be aware that some items like beer come in large sizes. They often operate with priority given to reservations, and the interior isn’t very spacious, so it’s highly recommended to make a reservation via their website or other platforms before your trip. They are also flexible in accommodating requests to omit ‘Oshinchae’ (pungent vegetables like green onions and garlic), providing peace of mind for those with dietary restrictions.
Vegan Kitchen
📍 Address: 21 Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Located in the Myeongdong area, a short distance from Itaewon, this plant-based restaurant is a must-visit for tourists. It’s a rare vegan specialty restaurant in the Myeongdong vicinity, where you can safely enjoy authentic Korean local food made entirely from plant-based ingredients. Each table is equipped with a touch panel, offering English and Japanese language options. After ordering, a delivery robot brings your sizzling dishes to your table, adding a touch of modern Seoul entertainment.
Overwhelmingly popular among travelers is the ‘Stone Pot Bibimbap.’ Served in a sizzling hot stone bowl, it features crisp vegetables and delightfully chewy multi-grain rice, with a crispy ‘scorched rice’ layer at the bottom that tantalizes the appetite. Even the accompanying pickles are meticulously prepared, and many customers express amazement, saying things like, ‘My perception of Korean food has changed’ and ‘I want to eat this every day.’
Also highly recommended are the ‘Plant-Based Fried Chicken,’ which boasts unbelievable quality for being animal-free, and the ‘Katsu Curry’ with barley and multi-grain rice. Thanks to the clever use of alternative meats, even those who typically dislike meat won’t feel heavy, allowing them to fully savor the uniquely Korean, deliciously ‘junk-food’ style, pungent flavors. Its convenience for a quick stop during shopping is another reason for its high ratings.
【Tips】Tips for Enjoying Vegan Local Cuisine in Seoul
In recent years, Seoul has seen rapid development in its vegan-friendly infrastructure. Particularly in multinational areas like Itaewon and Myeongdong, many staff members speak fluent English, making it easy to communicate your preferred flavors and allergy information without feeling a language barrier.
■ Utilizing Touch Panels (Kiosks)
Many restaurants in Seoul have adopted systems where ordering and payment (credit card required) are done via tablets on tables or self-service kiosks at the entrance. These often offer language options for Japanese and English, which is a great advantage for travelers as it allows them to browse menus at their leisure.
■ Ordering without Oshinchae (Pungent Vegetables)
If you avoid pungent vegetables like green onions and garlic (Oshinchae), common in Oriental vegan diets, it’s essential to confirm beforehand when ordering Korean food. While more restaurants like ‘ALT.a’ are becoming flexible, showing a note or screen with ‘오신채 빼주세요 (Oshinchae ppaejuseyo: Please omit pungent vegetables)’ will ensure a smoother order process.
Seoul’s vegan culinary scene offers delightful experiences for everyone, from tourists to long-term residents and locals. On your next trip to South Korea, be sure to indulge in a truly satisfying dining experience at one of these renowned restaurants that unleash the full potential of plant-based ingredients, nourishing both your body and soul!
