Seoul's vegan restaurant scene has exploded over the past 5 years, offering diverse options from Michelin-starred temple cuisine to trendy vegan cafes.Whether you're a complete vegan, vegetarian, or someone who wants to try something different — here are 8 must-visit vegan restaurants in Seoul.
Fine Dining & Temple Cuisine
1. Plant (Plant)
Pioneer of Seoul's vegan dining sceneIt is a restaurant that creatively reinvents classic Korean and Western dishes as completely plant-based cuisine.Vegan Bibimbapand seasonal course menus are especially recommended.
2. Balwoo Gongyang (Temple Food)
Located within the Jogye Order temple complex in InsadongMichelin Star Restaurantsfeaturing traditional Korean temple cuisine (sachal-eumsik). All dishes are naturally vegan — using no garlic, onions, or artificial seasonings. You can enjoy a truly special cultural dining experience.
Trendy Vegan Cafe & Restaurant
3. OBLOCK (OBLOCK)
This is a trendy vegan cafe and restaurant located in Itaewon. It's famous for beautiful brunch plates and creative desserts — all100% Plant-basedis.Vegan Tiramisuhas an enthusiastic fanbase.
4. Dore Dore Vegan (도레도레 비건)
A vegan store of the popular Dore Dore Bakery chain, completelyVegan cakes, pastries, beveragesIt provides. If you follow a plant-based diet but love sweet treats, this is heaven.
5. Cafe Sukkara (Cafe Sukkara)
Located in Hannam-dong, this beautiful vegan cafeOrganic ingredients and zero wasteWe focus on practice. The seasonal fruit tarts and cold-pressed juices are exceptional, and the minimal interior provides a peaceful retreat.
Korean-based vegan restaurant
6. Seasonal Greens (Seasonal Greens)
Using ingredients sourced from local organic farmsFarm-to-table conceptrestaurant. Salad bowls and warm grain bowls are popular, and they also offer vegan baking classes.
7. Vegetus (Vegetus)
This is a casual vegan restaurant that serves Korean comfort food.Vegan kimchi stew, japchae, tteokbokkiis surprisingly similar to the original taste. It proves that Korean cuisine and vegan food can coexist at a reasonable price.
8. FERMENTS — Yongsan
A unique restaurant focused on fermented ingredients, featuring 'chicken-style cauliflower' andFermented Vegetable Dishesis unique and rich in savory flavor. The industrial chic interior with speaker walls adds to the atmosphere.
Seoul Vegan Travel Tips
- In Korean, vegan isvegan— Many restaurants understand this these days
- Vegetarianmeans vegetarianism — use at traditional Korean restaurants
- Temple FoodThe restaurant is always naturally vegan
- Convenience stores also sell vegan kimbap and snacks.
- HappyCow appis useful for finding vegan options in Seoul
- ⚠️ Many Korean dishes containFish sauce, anchovy broth, oyster sauceetc. hidden non-vegan ingredients are used — please make sure to check
If you want to continue exploring Seoul's best restaurantsLate-Night Restaurant GuidePlease also refer to this. For getting around Seoul,NAMANE Cardis convenient. To discover more diverse Seoul cuisine,Jeju Restaurant GuideWe also recommend it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Is it difficult to find vegan meals in Seoul?
It has become much easier compared to the past. Seoul has over 50 specialized vegan restaurants, and temple food restaurants are naturally vegan.However, regular Korean restaurants may have hidden animal ingredients (anchovy broth, salted shrimp, etc.), so it's best to say "I'm vegan" or show a note explaining your dietary needs.
Q. What is the average price range of vegan restaurants?
Casual vegan restaurants cost approximately 10,000-15,000 won per person, while fine dining options (such as temple food service) range from about 40,000-80,000 won per course.Beverages and desserts at vegan cafes range from 5,000 to 12,000 won, which is similar to regular cafes.
Q. Can I find vegan food at convenience stores too?
Yes! Korean convenience stores like CU and GS25 sell vegan kimbap, vegan dumplings, fruit cups, and more.Look for products labeled 'vegetarian' or 'vegan'. Among triangle kimbap options, there are also vegetable-only varieties available.
