One of the biggest reasons people visit Korea is, of course, the food!
As Korean cuisine continues to gain global popularity, more and more travelers come here eager to try as many local dishes as they can.
I’m Korean myself, but I still absolutely love Korean food — it’s flavorful, well-balanced, and filled with both fresh vegetables and proteins.
But if you’re a vegetarian, you might worry about finding something to eat in Korea since many dishes include meat or seafood. Don’t worry! There are still plenty of delicious Korean dishes you can enjoy — and even more if you know how to ask for a vegetarian version.
🥢 7 Korean Dishes Vegetarian Travelers Will Love
Here are seven Korean foods that are perfect (or easily adaptable) for vegetarians. 🌱
1. Doenjang-jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew)
A comforting, savory stew made with fermented soybean paste called doenjang. It has a rich, nutty flavor and usually includes tofu, zucchini, mushrooms, and other vegetables.
💡 Tip: Some restaurants add seafood (like clams) or small pieces of meat for flavor. If you prefer a pure vegetarian version, simply say:
“Please make it without meat or seafood.”
2. Vegetable Bibimbap
Probably one of the most famous Korean dishes! Bibimbap is a colorful bowl of rice topped with seasoned vegetables and spicy gochujang (red chili paste). Mix everything together for a healthy and filling meal.
💡 Tip: Fried egg is often placed on top, and some versions include minced beef. You can ask:
“No meat, no egg, please.”
3. Sundubu-jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)
This soft tofu stew is already popular overseas — and for good reason! It’s spicy, warm, and full of silky tofu that melts in your mouth.
💡 Tip: Many versions include an egg or seafood. Just ask for a plain tofu stew (sundubu-jjigae without egg or seafood) to keep it vegetarian.
4. Kimchi-jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
Kimchi is Korea’s most iconic food, and this stew is made from it. It’s spicy, sour, and deeply comforting. Traditionally, pork is added in the stew, but if you ask, they can make it meat-free upon request.
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If you eat seafood: Try tuna kimchi stew (chamchi kimchi-jjigae) — it’s a common variation found in casual Korean diners.
5. Bindaetteok (Savory Pancake)
Bindaetteok is a must-try Korean dish! Often described as a type of “pancake,” it’s actually quite different from the sweet pancakes you might imagine. Savory and crispy, bindaetteok is made with various vegetables and ingredients, giving it a rich and hearty flavor.
Among the different kinds, nokdu bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) is made purely from ground beans, making it a perfect choice for vegans — nutty, aromatic, and delicious. If you enjoy a bit of spice, kimchi jeon (kimchi pancake) is another great option. And if seafood is okay for you, haemul pajeon (seafood green onion pancake) is also highly recommended.
List of Bindaetteok
1) Nokdu bindaetteok (pure mung bean pancake — fully vegan)
2) Kimchi jeon (spicy kimchi pancake)
3) Pajeon (green onion pancake) or seafood green onion pancake
<seafood green onion pancake>
💡 Tip: Some versions use egg in the batter, so you need to check before ordering food.
6. Kalguksu (Hand-cut Noodle Soup)
A warm, hearty noodle soup made with soft wheat noodles and a light, savory broth. It’s especially comforting on a rainy day!
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Tip: The broth often contains anchovies or sometimes meat. If you’d like a vegetarian version, ask if they can make it with just vegetable broth.
7. Bibim-guksu (Spicy Mixed Noodles)
It’s a cold noodle dish mixed with a flavorful spicy-sweet sauce instead of soup. Many visitors are surprised at first—“Cold noodles? Really?”—but once they take a bite, they’re amazed by the refreshing and vibrant taste. Most bibim-guksu dishes are made simply with sauce and fresh vegetables, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians.
💡 Tip: Most versions come with a boiled egg on top. You can simply ask for it without the egg.
🌿 Final Thoughts
These are some of the everyday Korean dishes that vegetarians can enjoy without much trouble. I didn’t include temple food (Buddhist cuisine) here since those are naturally all plant-based — this list focuses on common dishes you can find almost anywhere in Korea.
Vegetarianism isn’t yet very common in Korea, and fully vegan restaurants are still a growing trend. But if you communicate your preferences politely, most places are happy to adjust dishes for you.
So don’t stress — there are plenty of tasty, meat-free Korean options waiting for you!
And next time, I’ll share even more vegetarian-friendly spots and dishes you can enjoy during your trip to Korea. 🍀
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