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Is South Korea Vegan Friendly in 2026?

Travelling to South Korea as a vegan used to be a challenge, but in 2026, it has become an exciting culinary adventure. From the trendy vegan bakeries of Seoul’s Hongdae district to the ancient, plant-based wisdom of Buddhist temple cuisine, the options are growing fast.

However, the challenge lies in the details. Many dishes that appear plant-based—like soups, stir-fries, and side dishes—often contain hidden ingredients like fish sauce, anchovy broth, or shrimp paste.

This 2026 Vegan Language & Dining Guide is your roadmap to eating confidently in Korea. Below, you’ll find the essential survival tools, the exact Korean phrases you need (including the ones to avoid accidental “ham”), and where to find the best plant-based eats.

Essential Korean Phrases for Vegans

Pro tip: Simply saying “No meat” often isn’t enough, as some older generations do not consider Spam, ham, or fish to be “meat.” Use these specific phrases to be clear.

⚠️ The “Hidden” Ingredients Warning

Even if a dish looks vegan, watch out for these three common offenders:

• Kimchi: Standard kimchi is fermented with salted shrimp or fish sauce. Unless you are at a vegan restaurant, assume the kimchi is not vegan.
• Soups/Stews: Many vegetable stews (like Doenjang-jjigae) use anchovy broth (Myeolchi Yuksu) as a base. Always ask: “Yuksu myeolchi-eyo?”
• Bibimbap: Usually safe, but sometimes a little minced beef is hidden under the veggies, or the Gochujang (red sauce) contains honey or meat extract.

Where to Eat: The Safe Bets

1. Buddhist Temple Food (Sachal Eumsik)

Korean Temple Cuisine is originally vegan (avoiding not just meat but also five pungent vegetables like onions and garlic). This is your safest and often most delicious option for high-end dining. Look for “Temple Food” restaurants in Insadong (Seoul).

2. Convenience Stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven)

As of 2026, Korean convenience stores are life-savers. Look for the “Vegan” label (often written in English or as 비건). You can find vegan gimbap, ramen, and plant-based milks easily.

3. Bakery Cafes

Seoul and Busan have seen a boom in vegan bakeries. Areas like Hongdae and Itaewon in Seoul are packed with dairy-free donut shops, cake cafes, and pizzerias.

Next Steps for Your Trip

South Korea is an incredible destination that rewards the adventurous eater. With your eSIM loaded and these phrases saved, you are ready to explore.

Ready to build your itinerary? Check out our Ultimate Seoul Vegan Guide or our 2-Week South Korea Route.