🌱 Essential Tools for Vegan Travel in Korea
🌐 Saily eSIM – Navigate Korea Easily
Essential for finding restaurants on Naver Maps, translating menus with Papago, and calling ahead to check vegan options. Data from $3.99—no SIM swapping!
🏥 SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Covers South Korea + 180 countries. Medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage. From $45/month. Essential peace of mind.
🔒 NordVPN – Secure Public WiFi
Protect your data on cafe/hostel WiFi. Access blocked content. Get cheaper flights when booking from Korea. Essential travel security.
Busan Vegan Food Guide 2026
15+ Plant-Based Restaurants • Temple Food • Korean BBQ • Updated Prices & Locations
Busan, South Korea’s stunning coastal city, is known for fresh seafood—but its vegan scene is THRIVING. From Buddhist temple food with ocean views to Korean BBQ where you grill your own mushrooms, Busan offers incredible plant-based experiences. While not quite as extensive as Seoul, Busan’s vegan restaurants are authentic, affordable, and delicious. Here’s your complete 2026 guide to the best vegan food in Busan.
🌟 Quick Facts:
- 15+ dedicated vegan/vegetarian restaurants (growing fast!)
- Average meal: ₩8,000-15,000 ($6-11 USD)
- Temple food: ₩10,000-13,000 ($7-10 USD)
- Naver Map essential (better than Google in Korea)
- Most cafes open 10am-11am (late breakfast culture)
🍜 Best Vegan Restaurants in Busan
1. Vegenarang (베게나랑)
Buddhist temple-style food with OCEAN VIEWS. 9th floor restaurant serving grilled vegetable salads, tonkatsu with bean chik’n cutlet, noodles, and rice avocado rolls. Some sets for 2+ people only.
- Plant-based chik’n katsu cutlet: ₩8,000 ($6 USD)
- Vegan yogurt parfait: ₩3,000 ($2 USD)
- Lotus set, avocado rolls, black bean cutlets
Location: Near Millak Waterside Park & Gwangalli Beach (walkable) • How to Get There: Line 2 to Millak Station, Exit 1, walk along river • Hours: Varied (check Instagram before visiting)
2. Soban Vegan (소반비건)
Home-cooking style vegan Korean food by an ajumma (Korean grandma). Traditional bansang meal sets for lunch, Western dishes for dinner. Super sweet owner speaks English and will ask if you’re vegan!
- Soybean paste tofu jjigae (stew) + 6 sides + purple rice: ₩9,000 ($6.50 USD)
- Spicy soft tofu jjigae: ₩9,000 ($6.50 USD)
- Seasonal soup of the day: ₩8,000 ($6 USD)
Location: Near Gamcheon Culture Village (quaint street with elderly locals) • How to Get There: Dongdaesin Station, Exit 5, 5-min walk • Bonus: Shelf of vegan snacks/goods for sale
3. ARP (아르프)
Michelin Guide restaurant! 100% vegan fine dining. “Around Plants” serves elegant non-animal dishes paired with housemade rice wine. Debunks the myth that vegan food isn’t delicious.
- Bracken pasta: dried bracken & mushrooms (chewy, nutty flavors)
- Vegan cheese made from coconut oil (tastes exactly like cheddar!)
- Housemade rice wine pairings
Location: Near Huinnyeoul Culture Village (same area, pair together!) • Tip: Make reservation! Hours vary. • Vibe: Elegantly designed, upscale dining
4. Tae Tae Tae (타이타이타이)
Modern Asian fusion in Seomyeon with neon lights & great vibes. ENTIRELY separate vegan menu (no guessing games!). Thai/Pan-Asian food. Open until late.
Why It’s Great: No need to explain dietary restrictions or modify dishes—just order from vegan menu! • Location: Seomyeon district • Hours: Open late (perfect for dinner)
5. Home Bistro (홈비스트로)
Family-owned vegan restaurant with FULL WINE BAR. Latin American decor, cute dog greets you at door. Run by brother-sister team (vegan Busan locals). Everything made from scratch.
Amazing customer service—employees go above & beyond (especially if you’re a local). Hard to find restaurants like this in Busan. Plus wine bar, craft beer, coffee, spirits!
Vibe: Cozy, family atmosphere, tucked in alleyway • Menu: Simple and tasty, all made from scratch
☕ Best Vegan Cafes & Bakeries
The Bread Blue 3
Famous bakery chain. Fresh vegan bread, pastries, croissants. Aromatic coffee. Perfect for breakfast.
Location: Multiple locations in Busan
Rainbow Crust Bakery
Downstairs from Vegan Mart. Pizza rolls, cheese-stuffed bagels, red-bean bread. Affordable treats for train rides!
Price: Very affordable • Tip: Red bean might be sweet for some
Ohh! Goodthing
Seomyeon district. All-vegan cakes, sandwiches. Request plant milk for drinks. Pistachio cake with jam = decadent!
Note: Limited seating, super friendly staff
Beconfi
Seomyeon. Early Sunday hours! Cheese & courgette sandwich, açaí bowls. Plants for sale, hatha yoga classes.
Vibe: Hipster, communal tables, laptops everywhere
Yaein Tea House
All-vegan traditional tea house. Spicy bean bulgogi (₩13,000), pumpkin soy latte (₩5,000). One person cooking—visit when not rushed!
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-10pm
Caffeinated
Vegan breakfast available EARLY! Smoothie bowls (green or berry), banana bread, plant milk for drinks. Went 3 times—that good!
Perfect for: Early morning vegan breakfast
🍚 Vegan Korean Food & Street Food
Korean BBQ (Self-Serve Vegan Options!)
YES, vegan Korean BBQ exists! Near Jwadong Traditional Market, find self-serve Korean BBQ where you grab food yourself—perfect for vegans (no explaining dietary restrictions!). Grill mushrooms, vegetables, tofu.
How to Get There: Jangsan Station Exit 4, walk toward Jwadong Traditional Market • Why It’s Great: Self-serve = no communication barriers
Kimbap (Veggie Rolls)
Yache kimbap (vegetable kimbap) = cheap, easy snack/lunch. Available everywhere! K Colabo Kimbap = super cheap chain.
Sorae Vegan Ramen
Specializes in mouthwatering vegan ramen bowls. Customize with array of vegetables and vegan protein options. Ramen heaven!
Street Food: Hotteok
Sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, honey, chopped nuts, cinnamon. Perfect one-handed snack while exploring Gamcheon Culture Village!
Note: Check if honey is used (some vegans avoid). Some versions use just sugar.
🏪 Markets & Grocery Stores
Vegan Mart
All-vegan grocery store! Cook & eat food you purchase (ramen, frozen meals, dumplings). Sweet couple runs it, gives free sides, offers to cook for you!
Downstairs: Rainbow Crust Bakery
Jagalchi Fish Market
Known for seafood BUT has stalls selling vegan kimchi, fresh fruits, vegetables. Vegan street food in bustling lanes!
Surprise: Vegan options in seafood market!
Gukje Market
Treasure trove of vegan-friendly snacks and Korean street food. Vegetable tempura, bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes).
🍛 Indian Restaurants (Easy Vegan Options!)
Near Haeundae Beach, streets are LINED with Indian restaurants. Accidentally vegan/vegetarian friendly! Samosas, aloo gobi curry, dal, garlic naan.
Recommended: Hello India (Haeundae Line 2, Exit 5, one block down) • Go-to meal: Samosas, aloo gobi, garlic naan • Tip: Possible to share entree—get 2 orders of naan!
💡 Essential Vegan Travel Tips for Busan
1. Use Naver Map (Not Google!)
Google Maps doesn’t work well in Korea. Naver Map = essential. Most restaurants listed with updated hours, reviews in Korean.
2. Get eSIM for Data
Saily eSIM = game changer. Use Naver Map, Papago translator, call restaurants to check hours. From $3.99—activate on arrival!
3. Check Instagram for Hours
Restaurant hours vary wildly and change often. Follow their Instagram for real-time updates. Many small restaurants = one-person operations.
4. Learn Key Korean Phrases
“Chaesik juui-ja” (채식주의자) = vegetarian/vegan. “Gogi eobseoyo” = no meat. “Maeun geot eobseoyo” = not spicy.
5. Use Happy Cow
Happy Cow = brilliant resource. Cross-reference with Google/Naver to check if still open. Read recent reviews (restaurants close/open constantly).
6. Stock Up at Supermarkets
Buy easy breakfasts/snacks near your hotel. Save money, know exactly what’s in your food. Convenience stores have some vegan options too!
💰 Budget Guide
| Meal Type | Korean Won (₩) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Street Food / Snacks | ₩3,000-5,000 | $2-4 |
| Cafe (coffee + pastry) | ₩5,000-8,000 | $4-6 |
| Casual Restaurant Meal | ₩8,000-13,000 | $6-10 |
| Temple Food / Set Meal | ₩10,000-15,000 | $7-11 |
| Fine Dining (ARP) | ₩25,000+ | $18+ |
Daily Food Budget: ₩20,000-35,000 ($15-25 USD) for 3 meals + snacks
🗺️ Planning More of South Korea?
Busan is part of an incredible South Korea vegan journey:
- Seoul Vegan Food Guide: 20+ restaurants, Michelin temple food, K-pop cafes
- South Korea Vegan Guide: 30+ restaurants across the country
- South Korea 14-Day Itinerary: Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju—all with vegan dining
- Jeju Island Transport Guide: How to get around Korea’s “Hawaii”
🌱 Final Thoughts
Busan’s vegan scene might not be as extensive as Seoul’s, but it’s authentic, affordable, and growing fast. From Buddhist temple food with ocean views to self-serve Korean BBQ where you grill your own mushrooms, you’ll never go hungry. The key is using Naver Map, checking Instagram for hours, and embracing the adventure.
Every dish tells a story—of Korean grandmas cooking with love, Michelin chefs proving vegan food is haute cuisine, and a coastal city embracing plant-based living. Grab your eSIM, download Naver Map, and get ready for some of the best vegan Korean food you’ll ever taste.
Ready to Explore Busan’s Vegan Scene?
Get your essentials:
Updated: January 2026 • Note: Restaurant hours and menus subject to change. Always check Instagram/Naver for latest updates.
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