The Best Vegetarian And Vegan Restaurants In Seoul

Known for barbecue and fried chicken, South Korea isn’t typically associated with vegan food outside of Buddhist diets. But in Seoul, vegetarianism and veganism is gaining in popularity, as vegan bakeries, bistros and brasseries are cropping up to cater to growing crowds of herbivores eager for a taste of plant-based cuisine. Here are some of the city’s best.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Vegetus

If you thought that chowing down on vegan bulgogi wouldn’t be possible in Seoul, think again! Haebangchon-based Vegetus cooks up their own panini version of the classic Korean dish using textured vegetable protein (TVP) and baked tofu and a sauce that’s worth writing home about. In addition to paninis, the casual café boasts a vast menu of other comfort food favourites including a vegan mac and cheese and a lentil burrito bowl that’s as delicious as it is healthy. Prefer to pop in for a drink instead? Enjoy a cosy cup of hot chocolate topped with vegan marshmallows on the patio – the perfect spot for people-watching.

Situated among cosy European restaurants, this vegan bistro is a must-visit when exploring Seoul’s Seorae Maeul, or French Village. Delicious pastas and burgers make up the bulk of the menu here, but the inviting space is most popular for its British-style afternoon tea sets: dainty spreads of vegan scones, tea sandwiches and picture-perfect pastries.

Morococo Café

Cosmopolitan and cool, the tiny nook of a restaurant that is Morococo Café is beloved by locals for its experimental twists on Moroccan classics. Although some dishes on offer are meat-based, there are vegan options including the “Vegan Over Rice”, a mouthwatering combination of marinated veggies, tempeh and fluffy rice. Need another reason to visit? Owner Wajid Saleem serves up a mean pot of tea with extra flair, right at your tableside.

Loving Hut Vegan Buffet

This arm of Loving Hut, an international chain of vegan restaurants, offers an all-you-can-eat buffet in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Expect an impressive variety of hot and cold Korean dishes such as kimbap and jeon as well as several Western-style options including pasta and pizza made from organic ingredients.

Nammi PlantLab

Don’t expect basic veggie bowls and standard wraps at this plant-based café. Rather, the draw of Nammi PlantLab is its fun and creative “junk vegan” delights that range from the unexpected calzone burger to the rich and creamy rosé pasta. Local craft beer, wine, juice and coffee are also available, as are a tempting array of desserts. If you’ve no room left for dessert after lunch, opt to take home a slice of the raspberry pistachio cake; you won’t regret it.

Gusto Taco

Often touted as one of Seoul’s best Mexican restaurants, Gusto Taco is a great spot to kick off a night out in Hongdae or enjoy a mid-week margarita. While not exclusively vegan, this consistently buzzing taco and burrito hot spot offers tofu as a filling, and you can order your meal without cheese.

Drunken Vegan

Outfitted with only four tables – and boasting a wall of sex toys for purchase – Drunken Vegan is intimate, to say the least. Nevertheless, the Korean-style pub makes for a great stop on a night out. The menu changes regularly but features a varied mix of fusion cuisine ranging from salads and soups to heartier dishes like garlic prawns and fried cauliflower. Wash it down with your choice of soju, beer, wine or a specialty cocktail.

Around Green

Vintage decor and vegan dishes come together at Around Green, a cosy café in charming Mangwon-dong. Cravings for home-style cooking are quickly satisfied with dishes like teriyaki tofu and eggplant stir-fry, while plant-based doughnuts, scones and ice cream made in-house make for a sweet finish. Hospitable staff and friendly vibes complete the dining experience.

Fell + Cole

Specialising in local and seasonal small-batch ice cream, Fell + Cole has been a mainstay in the Seoul food scene for quite some time. Ice cream and sorbet flavours rotate regularly, and at least four on offer at any given time are made with plant-based milks – there’s even one for your pup to enjoy. Expect unique flavour combinations such as cognac, mango chia and coconut milk-espresso.

SF Bagel

Looking for a crispier alternative to the beloved New York bagel? Then head to SF Bagel, where the San Francisco take on the bagel can be enjoyed. Made without yeast or sugar, these bagels are slightly smaller and have a semi-crunchy exterior and soft inside. Try one of the vegan-friendly sourdough bagels or indulge in a freshly baked vegan cinnamon roll, both of which pair nicely with the oat milks on offer.

Balwoo Gonyang

Managed by a Buddhist nun from Jogyesa Temple across the street, Michelin-star Balwoo Gonyang offers a taste of exquisitely prepared Korean temple cuisine in a clean and modern space. Set multi-course menus consist of innovative small bites and mains that are just as pleasing on the palate as they are on the eyes.

PLANT

As one of the first plant-based eateries in Seoul, PLANT is a favourite among herbivores in Korea. Nestled in the heart of Itaewon, the airy café-restaurant remains a go-to for vegan toasts, veggie bowls, pastas, sandwiches and soups, as well as grab-and-go vegan desserts, like its ever-popular signature layer cake. Stop by for brunch and enjoy your meal with local craft beer or a cold glass of kombucha.

Sanchon

Dining at Sanchon is an exceptional experience combining traditional Korean culture and Buddhist temple food. Settle into your seat in the restaurant’s garden, which is strewn with draped foliage and potted shrubs, or opt to dine in the classically decorated interior. Either space provides the perfect setting for a delectable meal: 20 small plates of banchan, or Korean side dishes made up of fermented vegetables and sauces.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.