Your Essential Guide to Vegan & Vegetarian Delights in Seoul (Myeongdong & Beyond)
When it comes to Korean cuisine, dishes often rely on animal products, such as grilled meats, seafood-broth soups, and kimchi rich in fish sauce (or extract). This can make finding 100% plant-based meals seem like a daunting task. However, in recent years, the demand for plant-based options has surged in Seoul, driven by health-conscious locals, international travelers, and students. As a result, an increasing number of excellent restaurants cater to vegans, halal diners, and those with other dietary restrictions.
This article focuses on the hugely popular Myeongdong area, a prime tourist hub, and easily accessible central Seoul districts like Insadong and Itaewon. We’ll introduce carefully selected spots, diving deep not just into their flavors but also their authentic local atmosphere, crowd situations, and important ordering etiquette.
Vegan Kitchen
📍 Address: 21 Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
In the very heart of Myeongdong, ‘Vegan Kitchen’ stands as arguably the area’s only truly precious 100% plant-based restaurant. Its prime location, just a few minutes’ walk from Myeongdong Station and the night market, makes it incredibly convenient for a quick stop during your shopping spree.
The ‘Dolsot Bibimbap’ (stone pot bibimbap) is an absolute must-order here. Served in a sizzling hot stone bowl, it arrives with a satisfying crackle, developing a wonderfully fragrant and crispy crust (nurungji) at the bottom. The fresh, crunchy vegetables and chewy multigrain rice blend exquisitely, allowing you to savor the essence of Korean cuisine without any animal products. Other popular dishes include spicy fried ‘chicken’ made with soy meat, and katsu curry served with a blend of barley and multigrain rice.
Ordering is done via touch panels installed at each table, which support Japanese and English, ensuring a stress-free experience for travelers unfamiliar with Korean. What’s more, the food is delivered by robots, adding an entertaining touch! While some reviews mention that certain side dishes (like french fries) might taste pre-made, it’s still a worthwhile stop, even if you have to compromise slightly, for authentic vegan Korean cuisine easily accessible in Myeongdong.
Vegan Insa
📍 Address: 12-4 Samil-daero 32ga-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Venturing a little north from Myeongdong into the Insadong-Ikseondong area, ‘Vegan Insa’ is like a small oasis housed in a renovated traditional Korean house (Hanok). A warm ambiance pervades the space, centered around a courtyard, bustling daily with locals and tourists alike.
The highlight of this restaurant is undoubtedly its array of flavorful Korean dishes. Beyond classic Tteokbokki and Japchae, the ‘Vegan Egg’ Bibimbap is especially noteworthy. Its appearance and texture are remarkably close to real egg, an impressive quality that even those accustomed to traditional bibimbap will rave about. The portions are quite generous, so sharing various dishes among multiple people is recommended. Regarding the soy meat fried ‘chicken,’ some honest feedback suggests its spongy texture might not appeal to everyone, so sticking with the classic Korean options first might be a safer bet.
As a popular spot, expect queues, especially around 6 PM. An important local rule when visiting is to ‘secure your table first.’ After checking the number written on the edge of your table, head to the kiosk (touch panel terminal) at the entrance, enter your table number, and proceed with ordering and payment. The kiosks are credit card-only, but for cash payments, friendly, English-speaking staff are available to assist you directly at the counter.
Osegye Hyang
📍 Address: 14-5 Insadong 12-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Also tucked away in an alley in the Insadong area, ‘Osegye Hyang’ (五世界香) is a long-standing institution cherished by Seoul’s vegan community. It offers a rich variety of not only Korean dishes but also Chinese-inspired creations. The menu includes options that exclude the five pungent vegetables (green onion, garlic, chives, onion, and shallots/rakkyo), making it popular among Oriental vegetarians and monks.
If it’s your first visit, the ‘Bibimbap Set Menu’ at the top of the menu is an unfailing choice. Your table will be filled with typical Korean banchan (small side dishes like kimchi, blanched greens, tofu, and seaweed paste), giving you that special ‘this is a Korean set meal!’ experience. The rich, sweet-and-spicy seasoning pairs perfectly with soy meat and other plant-based alternatives, delivering a surprisingly satisfying meal for a plant-based dish. The spicy Jjamppong and crispy fried dumplings are also exquisite.
While ordering is a modern affair via table touch panels, the service is as warm and homely as a mother (Omma) from your own family. Korean-only female staff greet you with smiles, allowing you to relax and enjoy your meal while soaking in the authentic atmosphere of a local eatery.
Vegetus
📍 Address: 59 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
For a change of pace, when you’re craving Western-style vegan food, head to ‘Vegetus’ in the Haebangchon (HBC) area, adjacent to Itaewon. This eclectic neighborhood, nestled at the foot of Namsan Mountain, is a fascinating blend of old streets and modern trends, drawing many expatriates and fostering a deeply rooted vegan culture.
The interior boasts a cozy cafe style, where friendly staff warmly welcome you in English. Popular menu items include the incredibly rich and creamy ‘mac ‘n’ cheese,’ which you won’t believe is plant-based, and substantial ‘burgers.’ Dip the homemade french fries into vegan mayonnaise for a blissful junk food experience.
What’s even more impressive is their meticulous attention to allergy accommodations. The menu clearly marks gluten-free (GF) and nut-free (NF) options, and for guests with gluten allergies, the staff diligently confirm that there’s no cross-contamination during preparation, offering great peace of mind. For drinks, a mango smoothie or homemade lemonade comes highly recommended.
by TOFU
📍 Address: 10 Sowol-ro 20-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Also in the Haebangchon area, ‘by TOFU’ is a trending vegan cafe that, true to its name, offers healthy and clean meals centered around tofu. The interior, themed after the movie ‘Forrest Gump,’ is playful, creating a small yet very chill space.
You absolutely can’t miss their generously filled ‘wrap sandwiches’ or the nutrient-packed ‘Sunrise Bowl.’ Quinoa, broccoli, perfectly marinated tofu, and tempeh are combined in an exquisite balance, with lime vinaigrette and soy mayonnaise sauces that truly tantalize the appetite. The oven-baked ‘Tofu Gangjeong’ (sweet and spicy glazed tofu) is particularly praised by local fans, with some even claiming it surpasses real Yangnyeom Chicken in flavor.
However, some candid reviews from Western vegan travelers mention ‘sandwiches are too expensive’ and ‘cookies were dry.’ So, rather than focusing on cost-performance, this spot is ideal for those looking to enjoy plenty of high-quality, fresh vegetables and tofu, or to have a healthy break. Note that the restroom is located outside the store, and you’ll need to borrow a key, so keep that in mind when you visit.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Vegan & Vegetarian Food in Seoul
When dining in South Korea, even common restaurant dishes like ‘Vegetable Bibimbap’ or ‘Tofu Jjigae’ can often contain hidden animal products such as fish sauce, shrimp extract, or beef bone broth in their seasonings. Furthermore, ‘Kimchi,’ a staple of Korean cuisine, traditionally uses seafood-based salted ferments (jeotgal), so strict vegans should exercise caution.
Therefore, having a list of specialist restaurants that explicitly label themselves as ‘100% Vegan (Plant-Based),’ like those introduced here, can significantly enhance your satisfaction during your stay in Seoul. The kimchi at these specialist establishments is fermented without fish sauce, ensuring a worry-free dining experience.
Furthermore, ‘kiosks (self-checkout systems)’ and ‘tabletop touch panel ordering’ are rapidly becoming widespread in Korean restaurants. These machines typically offer language switching to English and Japanese, which is a huge advantage for travelers as it allows you to leisurely choose your menu items without worrying about language barriers. However, kiosks are often ‘credit card (with IC chip) only,’ so it’s highly recommended to prepare cashless payment methods such as Wowpass or credit cards.
