The Best Vegan Korean Dishes You Must Try 🇰🇷🌱

A young foreign vegan woman enjoying a traditional Korean sanchae jeongsik meal with assorted mountain vegetables, rice, and soup at a wooden table in a warm, natural setting

What I learned as a plant-based traveler in Korea

Before moving to Korea, I honestly wasn’t sure what I’d be eating here.
Korean food has a reputation for being all about BBQ, seafood, and meat-based stews.
As a longtime vegan, I braced myself for a lot of plain rice and awkward questions at restaurants.

But to my surprise — and delight — Korean cuisine turned out to be way more vegan-friendly than I ever imagined.

Between traditional dishes rooted in temple cooking, and modern twists on classic meals, I found a whole new world of plant-based options that were not only possible… but delicious.
If you're planning to visit Korea, or already here and wondering what to eat, here's a list of my favorite vegan-friendly Korean dishes that I personally loved (and ate a lot of 😋).

🥢 Bibimbap – Korea’s Most Famous Bowl (And Totally Vegan-izable)

This is probably the most well-known Korean dish abroad — and for good reason.

It’s a beautiful mix of warm rice, colorful vegetables, and spicy-sweet gochujang sauce, all stirred together in one perfect bowl.

Most places serve it with egg and sometimes beef on top, but just ask for it without meat or egg — and boom, you’ve got a simple, satisfying vegan meal.
Even better: if you ever get the chance to try temple-style bibimbap, it’s naturally plant-based and even more flavorful.

🥬 Sanchae Jeongsik – The Peaceful Temple Meal I Didn’t Know I Needed

I’ll be honest — I didn’t even know this existed until I visited a small town in the mountains.
Sanchae jeongsik means “mountain vegetable set meal,” and it's one of the most wholesome, grounding meals I’ve ever had.

It’s based on Buddhist temple food, which means no meat, no garlic, no onions — just vegetables, grains, and fermented goodness.
Think: marinated wild greens, soft tofu, and warm soup made from vegetable broth.
If you want to taste a quieter, more traditional side of Korea, start here.

🍲 Vegan Sundubu Jjigae – Soft Tofu Stew That Warms the Soul

On a cold or rainy day, nothing beats a steaming bowl of sundubu jjigae — a spicy stew made with silken tofu.
The traditional version usually includes seafood, but you can easily find vegan-friendly versions or ask for it made with veggie broth only.

It’s comforting, protein-packed, and pairs perfectly with a bowl of rice.
You’ll feel like you're being hugged from the inside.

🥞 Jeon (Korean Savory Pancakes) – Crispy, Comforting, and Often Vegan

Vegan-Friendly Tips
Check for egg or seafood in the batter — many types can be made 100% plant-based

If there’s one Korean dish that surprised me with how vegan-friendly and delicious it can be, it's jeon.
These savory pancakes are crispy, golden, and pan-fried — and best of all, they come in all kinds of varieties.

Some of my favorites:

Kimchi Jeon (김치전) – Spicy, tangy, and slightly chewy. Just make sure the kimchi is made without fish sauce.
Hobak Jeon (호박전) – Thinly sliced zucchini, lightly battered and pan-fried. Naturally vegan when egg is left out.
Dubu Jeon (두부전) – Tofu pieces seared until golden, often served with soy dipping sauce — simple, protein-packed, and satisfying.

These pancakes are a common side dish (banchan) or snack, especially during holidays or family gatherings.
You’ll find them in traditional markets, vegan cafes, or even homemade if you’re lucky. Definitely give them a try — they’re Korea’s plant-based comfort food at its finest.

🍙 Kimbap & Triangle Gimbap – My Go-To Vegan Travel Snacks

Kimbap looks like sushi but tastes totally different. It’s Korea’s ultimate grab-and-go food.
Vegan-friendly options include: burdock root, pickled radish, spinach, and cucumber. Just make sure there’s no egg, mayo, or ham inside (read those labels carefully!).

You can also find triangle gimbap at convenience stores, but finding a vegan one can be hit or miss. When in doubt, there are now a few vegan kimbap shops popping up in major cities — and they’re worth the hunt.

🍡 Korean Rice Cakes (Tteok) – The Dessert I Didn’t Expect to Love

Korean rice cakes are chewy, slightly sweet, and often made with just rice, red beans, or sweet potato.
Most of them are accidentally vegan, like injeolmi (covered in roasted soybean powder) or baekseolgi (steamed white rice cake).

They’re not overly sweet, which I actually ended up loving — perfect with a cup of tea or as an afternoon treat.
Just be cautious with modern versions, which sometimes contain honey or dairy-based fillings.

💬 Useful Phrases That Helped Me Eat Vegan in Korea

Ordering food in another language can be scary, so here are two phrases that helped me so much:

고기랑 해산물, 계란, 우유는 안 먹어요.
Gogi-rang haesanmul, gyeran, uyu neun an meogeoyo.
(I don’t eat meat, seafood, eggs, or dairy.)
채식으로 해주세요.
Chaesik-euro haejuseyo.
(Please make it vegetarian.)

And trust me — people are more understanding than you might expect. A warm smile and polite tone go a long way. 😊

🌱 Final Thoughts from a Grateful Vegan in Korea

I came to Korea unsure of how I’d get by as a vegan.
Now? I can honestly say I’ve eaten some of the most flavorful and meaningful meals of my life here.

Whether you're visiting or staying long-term, you won’t have to sacrifice taste or tradition.
Korea has a rich, plant-friendly culinary side — and I hope you get to enjoy every bite of it.