KoreaClear · Travel answer

How can I eat vegetarian or vegan food in Korea?

Short answer

For a concrete Seoul option, try ALT.a in Itaewon: Visit Seoul lists it as a vegan restaurant serving Korean-style Chinese food. At other restaurants, confirm the broth, sauces and side dishes before ordering.

What to do

Choose ALT.a for a Seoul meal, or use the official restaurant listings for your area.
Show staff your ingredient exclusions before placing an order. Ask whether the dish can be prepared without them.
Check the current menu and opening hours before going.

Check before relying on this

Kimchi can contain seafood seasoning; vegetable gimbap can contain ham, egg or crab-flavoured ingredients. Do not assume they meet your diet.

More details and examples Expand

Practical detail and remaining limits

ALT.a gives an actual vegan restaurant option. At other restaurants ask about the full recipe, including stock and seafood seasoning, because changing visible toppings may leave excluded ingredients in the base.

Sources and provider examples

External sources may use another language.

Sources last checked: 2026-09-30. Rules, hours and services can change.