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Based in the tradition of rice agriculture, as well as being home to a mountainous topography and roots deeply grounded in Buddhism, veganism has been passed down from generation to generation since long ago. King Yeongjo of Joseon’s secret to longevity that witnessed him reach beyond 80 years of age is also founded in a vegan diet. 

On that note, we set out to explore vegan life in Seoul – a unique lifestyle that promotes bodily health and contentment to both your body and the animals and nature that live around us.

 

Balwoo Gongyang

 

 

Temple food serves strictly vegetarian food and prohibits meat, which give vegetarians a chance to sit back and enjoy the food they are served. There are many places to try temple food in Seoul, but in particular, Balwoo Gongyang is a temple food specialtyrestaurant operated directly by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Based on thousands of years of cooking methods passed on through temples, diners can experience the tradition of temple food. They use fresh ingredients produced by the temples. The traditional sauces and natural spices have been aged from 5-20 years. Visitors can taste the harmony of the season according to the time of year. There is the devotional food service for humble practitioners and hearty food for the sick, food for specialfeasts, and food for ancestral rites.Visitors can taste all kinds of food here in one sitting, so if you want to try traditional Korean temple food, this is it.

 

 

 

 

Vegetus

 

 

Enter into Haebangchon in Itaewon and there’s a gathering spot full of green plants waiting for vegetarians. At first glance, it doesn’t look like a vegan restaurant at all because they have burgers and pastas on the menu, but don’t be alarmed. It’s 100%vegan food. The best part about this place is that vegetarian newbies can try some food without thinking twice about it. Their signature menu, the Vegetus Burger, is made with a lentil patty that gets crispy on the outside, served with grilled vegetablesand veggie mayonnaise, that work together to bring out an umami that’s comparable to regular burgers. A lot of vegan foods replace meat with nuts, which is problematic for people with allergies. For those with allergies, they offer a nut-free option, and a gluten-free one for people with wheat digestion problems. Their attention to detail and consideration of their customers is another reason this place is a must.

 

 

 

 

 

The Bread Blue

 

 

This isn’t only for vegetarians. It’s for people with eczema or allergies, health nuts, and anyone who is interested in good bread made with premium ingredients. They don’t use milk, eggs, butter, or any animal products. Not only their bread but alsotheir drinks and ice cream are vegan. Their food is delicious and healthy, but that’s not all. The Bread Blue is devoted to protecting the environment and animals. So if you place an order before eleven o’clock in the morning when the bread comes out,youcan say something like, “I’d like two potato ciabattas by ten o’clock, please. I’ll bring a container so don’t wrap it up.”

 

 

 

 

 

Seoul Bibimbap

 

 

Bibimbap is a famous vegetarian dish heaped with cooked herbs and garnishes, all mixed in delicious red pepper paste. It’s quite easy to make, so give it a whirl.

[Bibimbap Recipe]

1. Prepare wild herbs, mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, and leafy greens that you like. Slice up the thick ones.
2. Heat oil in a pan and stir-fry each ingredient separately.
3. Put rice in a bowl and neatly stack each ingredient (vegetables & garnish). * Add an egg (sunny side up) or meat on top, depending on your dietary preference.
4. Add some gochujang (red chili paste) to taste and done!

 

 

 

 

Chaesikankki

 

 

The smartphone application, Chaesikankki, has the most vegetarian-related information in Korea. There’s information on vegetarian restaurants, vegetarian menu items, nutrition, recipes, and related know-how. Users can post about their daily lives andget in touch with one anotherthrough an online community. In particular, the “Vegetarian Restaurants around Me” function lets users search for vegetarian-friendly establishments in their vicinity. The “Chaesikankki Mate” badge is given to tasty and trustworthyrestaurants that serve vegetarian items. Honest reviews from all types of vegetarians are useful for veteran vegetarians and newbies. Vegetarians traveling to Korea, as well as vegetarians and omnivores simply looking for healthy options are encouragedto download the app and try it out.