Eating Vegan in Seoul
Guest Post By: Maansa Jayaraman, a Junior studying Finance, CISB, and Korean. She studied abroad through a Foster Exchange and Direct Enroll at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, during Autumn Semester 2022.
As a vegetarian, before I arrived in Seoul, I heard from a lot of people that I would probably have a hard time finding food to eat in a country with predominantly meat-based dishes. However, while it takes some searching to find options, it is certainly not impossible! Here are some of my favorite vegan/vegetarian friendly restaurants you should visit while in Seoul:
The first three are me and my friends favorite options for great food around Yonsei/Ewha!
- WeSaladu – 위살러듀
Located next to Ewha Women’s University, this Lebanese inspired restaurant serves jam-packed salads and amazing rice bowls. A short walk from Yonsei, this restaurant quickly became a go to restaurant for me and my friends as it serves both vegan and meat-based options leaving a choice for everyone.
Address:
We SALADU Ewha Woman’s Univ. Branch
서울 서대문구 이화여대길 52-31
- Sunny Bowl – 써니보울
Also located near Ewha Women’s University, this restaurant serves vegan and Asian-inspired dishes. We always order the Yaki Mayo Pasta when we go just because it’s that good.
Address:
Sunny Bowl
서울 마포구 숭문16길 18 1층
- New York B&C
Located on Yonsei-ro, this seemingly small restaurant serves a wide variety of vegan and non-vegan pilafs, pastas/pizzas, burgers, and brunch items – perfect for any meal of the day!
Address:
New York BNC Sinchon Main Branch
서울 서대문구 연세로12길 39
The next are some great options if you have time to explore around Seoul.
- ALT.a – 알트에이
ALT.a serves up veganized versions of Korean dishes. If you’ve been wanting to try dishes like bibim-naengmyeon, jjajangmyeon, or jjamppong, then you should certainly drop by here!
Address:
Alteu A Itaewon Branch
서울 용산구 보광로 109 1층 알트에이 이태원점
- Forest Kitchen – 포레스트 키첸
A bit on the expensive side, Forest Kitchen is a vegan fine dining restaurant offering course meals for lunch and dinner. If you have the time, it’s a great experience!
Address:
Forest Kitchen
서울 송파구 올림픽로 300 롯데월드몰 캐쥬얼동 29street 6층
- Monk’s Butcher – 몽크스부처
Monk’s Butcher is a fully vegan restaurant and bar located in Hannam-dong. Not only is the ambiance of the restaurant great to eat in, but the food is also extremely tasty.
Address:
Mongkeuseu Bucheo
서울 용산구 이태원로 228-1 대로변 3층 4층
- Plantude – 플랜튜드
An Asian fusion restaurant, Plantude is located in Starfield COEX Mall, so it’s a great place to stop by to refuel after a day of shopping.
Address:
Peullaentyudeu
서울 강남구 영동대로 513 스타필드 지하1층 I-111호
