Can I find vegetarian food in Korea?

Yes, and vegetarian options are growing, but many dishes that look vegetarian use fish or meat broth. Tell the staff what you cannot eat, and use a phrase card.

• △Kimchi seasoning most often contains salted seafood, fish sauce or meat broth.
• △Even vegetable gimbap may include ham or egg, depending on the restaurant.
• ✓Temple food uses no meat and is available at dedicated restaurants.
• ✓Bibimbap, kongguksu, vegetable pancakes, acorn jelly and tofu dishes can work if you ask for meat and egg to be left out.

• •A translated phrase such as “I am a vegetarian”
• •Patience to check ingredients

• •Assuming vegetable dishes and kimchi are vegetarian

• •Temple food restaurants
• •Templestay meals

• 🍜Can I find non-spicy Korean food?Yes. Bulgogi, marinated galbi, samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), grilled fish and soybean-paste stew are mild. Check side dishes such as kimchi, which can be spicy.✓YESFood & DiningView answer →
• 🍜Can I eat alone in Korea?Yes. Eating alone (honbap) is part of Korean dining culture, and many places have bar or counter seats. Some set menus are designed for two or more people, so ask whether a single portion is possible.✓YES, WITH CONDITIONSFood & DiningView answer →

• VisitKorea: Tips for Vegetarians