“Wait, this is vegetarian?”
Yep. Welcome to Korea, where delicious plant-based options are hiding in plain sight—even in non-vegan restaurants!
Whether you’re a hardcore herbivore or a part-time plant-lover, this guide is for you. No tofu-only sadness here—these are real Korean dishes, served in regular restaurants, that just happen to be vegetarian (or easily modified).
Let’s dig in.
1. 🫘 Cheonggukjang (청국장) — fermented bean stew, in the best way possible
This stew has a smell that says, “I mean business.”
It’s bold, earthy, protein-packed, and can be made without any meat or seafood—just fermented soybeans, tofu, and veggies.
🧠 Foreigners often confuse this with doenjang-jjigae, but cheonggukjang is stronger, thicker, and smellier (in a good way).
✅ Ask: “Cheonggukjang without meat or fish, please.”
✅ Where to find: Local diners (baekban restaurants), countryside eateries
2. 🍜 Deulkkae Kalguksu (들깨칼국수) — creamy perilla seed noodles
Perilla seed is like sesame’s herbal cousin.
This soup is naturally vegetarian and has a rich, nutty flavor that feels oddly luxurious.
No meat, no fish, just warm, creamy goodness and chewy handmade noodles.
✅ Where to find: Noodle restaurants, countryside restaurants
3. 🥶 Muk-sabal (묵사발) — Korean vegan acorn jelly
Made with acorn or buckwheat jelly, seaweed, cucumbers, and icy tangy broth, this cold dish is a summer lifesaver.
Totally vegetarian, totally refreshing, and totally underrated.
✅ Where to find: Traditional markets, noodle shops, summer menu spots
4. 🍄 Beoseot Jeongol (버섯전골) — Mushroom hot pot
Mushroom hot pot with a variety of shrooms, tofu, veggies, and broth.
You can usually request veggie broth instead of anchovy or beef stock.
It’s filling, cozy, and oddly meaty without any meat. Win-win.
✅ Where to find: Hot pot places, mushroom-focused restaurants, temple cuisine spots
5. 🧊 Kongguksu (콩국수) — chilled soy milk noodles
Looks weird, tastes amazing.
It’s literally cold soy milk + noodles, and no, it’s not a dessert.
It’s creamy, nutty, and way more satisfying than it should be.
✅ Ask: “No egg on top, please.”
✅ Where to find: Noodle shops, local diners (summer only)
6. 🌿 Yeolmu Bibim-guksu (열무비빔국수) — spicy young radish noodle party
This cold, spicy noodle dish is topped with young radish kimchi (열무김치).
If the kimchi doesn’t contain fish sauce, you’re in vegetarian heaven.
✅ Ask: “Does the kimchi have fish sauce?”
✅ Where to find: Cold noodle restaurants, casual diners
7. 🍚 Sanchae Bibimbap (산채비빔밥) — mountain veggie bibimbap
Forget meat toppings—this version is all about namul (seasoned greens).
It’s healthy, flavorful, and often served in gorgeous ceramic bowls that make you feel spiritually nourished.
✅ Where to find: Temple food restaurants, countryside eateries, traditional Korean set meal places
8. 🍲 Sundubu-jjigae (순두부찌개) — soft tofu stew
Soft tofu stew without seafood, pork, or beef? Yes, please.
Just request a veggie version, and you’ll still get that bubbling, spicy magic.
✅ Ask: “Can I get the soft tofu stew without meat or seafood?”
✅ Where to find: Sundubu chains, tofu restaurants
9. 🥞 Memil-jeon (메밀전) — buckwheat veggie pancake
A savory pancake made from buckwheat flour and usually filled with scallions or vegetables.
Perfectly crispy and often meat-free by default, but always good to double-check.
✅ Where to find: Traditional markets, jeon restaurants, drinking spots (pojangmacha)
10. 🧘 Temple Cuisine (사찰음식) — the Temple vegan dining experience
Want a 100% guaranteed vegan meal in Korea?
Head to a Buddhist temple restaurant, where you’ll find peaceful, plant-based dishes made without meat, fish, or even garlic/onions.
✅ Try places like:
- Balwoo Gongyang (Seoul)
- Sanchon (Insadong)
- Gaya Jeong (Gyeongju)
🙋♀️ Bonus Tips for Eating Vegetarian in Korea
- “Gogi baejuseyo” (고기 빼주세요) — “Please remove the meat”
- Ask about broth — Some veggie-looking soups have anchovy or beef stock
- Don’t trust all kimchi — Ask if it’s made with fish sauce (many are!)
- Bring a translated card — or use Papago/Naver Translate in a pinch
🥄 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to eat instant noodles every day just because you’re vegetarian in Korea.
From steamy stews to icy noodles, Korea’s got plant-based gems hiding in plain sight.
Want to find the best vegetarian restaurants in Seoul, Busan, or Jeju? Stay tuned—I’ve got a list coming up next.