South Korea

Vegan Friendliness: ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3/5)
Vegetarian Friendliness: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
Best For: Temple food, side dishes (banchan), tofu-based meals
Challenging Because: Fish sauce, anchovy broth, hidden seafood

🥗 What to Eat

• Bibimbap (request no egg or meat)
• Dubujjim (braised tofu)
• Vegetable kimbap (confirm no fish cake)
• Temple-style meals (fully vegan)
• Steamed rice, pickled vegetables

🚫 Watch Out For

• Anchovy broth in soups
• Fish sauce in kimchi
• Fish cake (eomuk) in vegetable dishes

🗣️ Survival Phrases (Korean)

• I am vegetarian: 저는 채식주의자예요
  (cho-nun cheh-shik joo-eui-ja-ye-yo)
• I am vegan: 저는 비건이에요
  (cho-nun bee-gan-ee-eh-yo)
• No meat or fish: 고기랑 생선 안 먹어요
  (go-gi-rang saeng-sun an meo-geo-yo)

🧭 Veggie Trip Tip

Look for Buddhist temple restaurants — they offer some of the best vegan food in the country.