Vegan Korean Food You Must Try. No Meat, No Problem!

🌿 Vegan Korean Food You Must Try

No Meat, No Problem!

Korea is famous for its delicious cuisine — but what if you're vegan?

The good news is: You can absolutely enjoy Korean food without meat, dairy, or eggs.
From plant-based street food to traditional temple dishes, Korea has plenty to offer vegan travelers.

Here’s a list of must-try vegan Korean foods that are flavorful, filling, and fully plant-based!

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🥗 1. Bibimbap (비빔밥) – Mixed Rice with Vegetables

Custom tip: Ask for no egg, no meat, and gochujang (Korean chili paste) on the side.

A colorful bowl of rice topped with seasoned vegetables and usually an egg — but it’s easy to make it vegan. Just say:

“Gogi baejuseyo, gyeran baejuseyo” (고기 빼주세요, 계란 빼주세요)
= “No meat, no egg please.”

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🍙 2. Yachae Kimbap (야채 김밥) – Veggie Seaweed Roll

Kimbap is often compared to sushi but usually contains ham or egg.
Luckily, many places offer veggie-only rolls filled with spinach, carrot, pickled radish, and rice.

✅ Tip: Check that no mayo or fish cake is added.

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🍜 3. Korean Temple Food (사찰음식)

Want the most authentic vegan Korean experience? Try Buddhist temple cuisine!
It’s entirely plant-based, seasonal, and deeply rooted in Korean tradition.

Dishes include:

• Seasoned vegetables (namul)

• Tofu-based stews

• Lotus-leaf rice (연잎밥)

• Wild greens and mushroom dishes

🧘‍♀️ Available at: temple stay programs or specialty restaurants (e.g., Balwoo Gongyang in Seoul)

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🍢 4. Eomuk-less Odeng Soup? Try Mushroom Broth Skewers

Traditional fish cake soup (eomuk-tang) isn't vegan, but some street vendors offer veggie skewers in mushroom broth.

Or make your own by skipping the fish cakes and using vegetables like:

• Radish

• Konjac

• Tofu skin

• Mushrooms

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🍠 5. Street Snacks You Can Enjoy

Plenty of street food in Korea is accidentally vegan!

• Hotteok (호떡) – sweet pancakes (look for sugar-only fillings, no honey or butter)

• Bungeoppang (붕어빵) – red bean pastry

• Sweet potatoes (군고구마) – roasted or steamed

• Tteok (떡) – rice cakes (esp. injeolmi, chapssaltteok)

⚠ Always check for honey, milk, or egg in desserts.

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🍲 6. Doenjang Jjigae (된장찌개) – Soybean Paste Stew

Custom tip: Ask for it without anchovy broth or meat.

This savory, fermented soup is often made with vegetables and tofu.
When made vegan, it's rich, hearty, and packed with umami.

✅ Many vegan cafés in Korea offer plant-based versions.

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💬 How to Say "I’m Vegan" in Korean

저는 비건이에요. (jeoneun bigeon-ieyo)
= “I’m vegan.”

You can also say:

“고기, 달걀, 우유, 생선 다 안 먹어요.”
= “I don’t eat meat, eggs, milk, or fish.”

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🗺️ Where to Find Vegan Food in Korea

Platform	Why Use It
HappyCow	Global vegan restaurant finder
Naver Map	Best for local vegan cafés
Instagram Hashtags	Try #비건카페, #서울비건

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🥢 Final Thoughts

Being vegan in Korea is not only possible — it’s delicious!

With a little planning and some local phrases, you’ll discover that plant-based travel can be tasty, cultural, and satisfying.
So skip the meat and dive into a world of healthy, comforting Korean flavors.