Vegetarian and vegan in Korea: hidden ingredients, safe dishes and what to say

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Korea can be tricky for vegetarians and vegans. Vegetables are everywhere in Korean food, but meat and seafood hide in places you would not expect: in stock, in seasoning and in kimchi. With a few phrases, some knowledge of where the hidden ingredients are, and a little planning, you can eat very well.

Where animal products hide

Anchovy stock (멸치 육수): the base of many soups, stews and noodle broths, including doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) and many kalguksu noodle soups. A dish can look completely vegetable and still be made on it.
Fish sauce and jeotgal (젓갈, salted fermented seafood): most kimchi is made with salted shrimp or anchovy sauce, and several side dishes are seasoned with them.
Meat stock: beef bone broth sits under many soups; instant ramyeon soup powder usually contains beef or seafood extract.
Small amounts of meat: a few pieces of pork in kimchi jjigae, minced beef in bibimbap or ham in kimbap.
Egg: fried egg on bibimbap, egg in kimbap and egg in batters, which matters for vegans.

Dishes that can be vegetarian

Bibimbap: ask for it without meat (고기 빼 주세요). Many restaurants serve a mixed-vegetable version anyway. Vegans should also ask about the egg.
Kimbap: vegetable kimbap (야채김밥) exists, but often still contains egg, ham or fish cake; ask for them to be left out.
Japchae: glass noodles with vegetables are usually stir-fried with beef, but it is easy to make or order without.
Pajeon and other pancakes: the vegetable versions (야채전, 감자전) avoid meat, but batters may include egg.
Tofu dishes: braised tofu and grilled tofu are common side dishes; check the sauce.
Namul: seasoned vegetable side dishes, usually just vegetables, sesame oil, garlic and salt or soy sauce.
Street snacks: hotteok (sweet filled pancakes), roasted sweet potatoes and roasted chestnuts are generally safe. Tteokbokki sauce is often made with fish stock.

Temple food

Korean Buddhist temple cuisine (사찰음식) is traditionally vegan and also leaves out the five pungent vegetables: garlic, green onion, chives, onion and leek. Temple-food restaurants are a good bet for a fully plant-based meal, and a temple stay includes temple meals as part of the programme.

What to say

저는 채식주의자예요 (jeoneun chaesikjuuijayeyo): I am vegetarian.
저는 비건이에요 (jeoneun bigeonieyo): I am vegan.
고기 안 먹어요 (gogi an meogeoyo): I do not eat meat.
고기 빼 주세요 (gogi ppae juseyo): please leave out the meat.
고기나 해산물 들어가요? (gogina haesanmul deureogayo?): does this have meat or seafood in it?
멸치 육수 써요? (myeolchi yuksu sseoyo?): do you use anchovy stock?
젓갈 들어가요? (jeotgal deureogayo?): does it have salted seafood in it?

Be specific. Some people think of seafood or stock as not really meat, so asking about each one separately gets clearer answers. A card with these sentences written in Korean helps in busy restaurants.

Where to eat

Vegan and vegetarian restaurants: Seoul has a growing number, especially around Itaewon, Hongdae, Seongsu and Anguk. Apps and websites that map vegetarian restaurants worldwide list plenty, and searching 비건 (vegan) or 채식 (vegetarian) on Naver Map or KakaoMap finds more.
Temple-food restaurants, often near major temples in Seoul and elsewhere.
Convenience stores and supermarkets: plain rice, tofu, fruit, nuts and some vegan-labelled snacks and ramyeon. Read labels for 소고기 (beef), 돼지고기 (pork), 닭 (chicken), 새우 (shrimp) and 멸치 (anchovy).
Vegan kimchi (비건 김치) is sold in some supermarkets and specialist shops.

Eating with Korean friends and colleagues

Group meals are often shared dishes ordered for the table, and Korean barbecue is a common choice for work dinners. Tell the organiser in advance; most will happily pick a place with options, or you can fill up on rice, vegetables, side dishes and steamed egg where that suits you. Our Korean barbecue guide covers how those meals work. Are you vegetarian or vegan in Korea? Share your favourite places, phrases or questions in the comments.