🇰🇷 Korean Lesson #19: [FOOD] Vegan/Vegetarian in Korea

How to Eat Vegan/Vegetarian in South Korea

[FOOD] How to Eat Vegan/Vegetarian in South Korea

안녕하세요 여러분 👋

With the popularity of Korean barbecue, samgyeopsal (pork belly), and other traditional dishes featuring meat and fish, traveling to South Korea can seem daunting for those who do not eat meat.

Fortunately, the rise in vegan and plant-based diets has made it easier to find meatless options. The trend of vegetarian and vegan lifestyles has been sweeping through Korean society, leading to an increase in restaurants catering to these health-focused preferences. Both fully vegan and vegetarian restaurants are becoming more common, and existing establishments are actively adding more menu items for their vegetarian customers.

Meal from Sunny Bowl

Advice for dining in South Korea

Most restaurants in Korea generally specialize in specific types of food. For example, a restaurant might focus exclusively on barbecue, raw fish, or bulgogi. However, regardless of the main dish, restaurants usually serve rice and a variety of ‘banchan’ (반찬) or side dishes, which are often predominantly vegetables. You may be able to ask for these to make bibimbap, or see if they offer something like soft tofu soup, known as ‘soondubu jjigae’ (순두부찌개).

Another important consideration is the Korean perspective on what constitutes meat. Because of this, it’s essential to clearly communicate what you can and cannot eat. For instance, if you don’t eat fish, be sure to specify this along with not eating meat, as some Koreans may not consider fish to be “meat.” Additionally, deli ham or spam is sometimes not regarded as meat, so make sure to confirm this as well.

Key Phrases for Dining Out

저는 채식주의자 입니다.

jeo-neun chae-shik-jueui-ja imnida.

I am vegetarian.

고기 안 먹어요

gogi an mo-geo-yo

I don’t eat meat.

고기는 빼주세요

gogi-neun bbae-juseyo

Please take out the meat.

생선은 빼주세요

saeng-seon-eun bbae-juseyo

Please take out the fish.

저는 고기, 계란, 해산물을 먹을 수 없어요.

Jeoneun gogi, gyeran, haesanmul-eul meogeul su eopseoyo.

I cannot eat meat, eggs, and seafood.

One reliable way to ensure a dish is vegetarian is to seek out temple food, which is prepared according to the dietary restrictions of practicing Buddhist monks and contains no meat. With temple food gaining popularity as a healthy option, numerous temple food restaurants have opened across South Korea. Also look for dishes with dotori-muk (도토리묵 acorn jelly) and bean curd (두부 dubu or tofu) as these are vegetarian-friendly options.

Temple food from Sanchon

Korean Dishes for Vegetarians/Vegans

While Korean dishes are often heavy on the meat, there are some that are naturally vegetarian and sometimes vegan! Below are some examples!

김밥

kimbap

The Korean version of sushi, the original kind, is often made of just rice, seaweed, and veggies. Also sometimes called 야채 김밥 ‘yachae kimbap’ or vegetable kimbap.

비빔밥

bibimbap

This is a dish that consists of mixed rice, various vegetables, and rarely has meat unless specifically indicated.

Note for vegans: This dish does sometimes come with egg.

전

jeon

This is a broad term for a variety of different types of Korean pancakes. The most famous being pajeon which is a spring onion pancake. Note: Sometimes this dish has egg and seafood, so double check.

호박죽

hobak juk

A popular dish during cold winter months, this is a hearty porridge made of pumpkin, sweet glutinous rice flour, and brown sugar. It can also at times have red beans and pine nuts added.

잡채

japchae

This dish is savory and slightly sweet with its stir-fried glass noodles (made of sweet potato starch) that is mixed with vegetables. Note: Sometimes it comes with minced beef, so just make sure to indicate you don’t want meat in the dish

떡볶이

tteok-bokki

Tteok-bokki are chewy rice patties that resemble thick pasta and are usually served covered in gochujang, which is spicy red pepper sauce. It is a common snack or side dish in Korea. Note: Some places that serve this also may include fish cake, broth and meat products so be sure to ask.

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