Practical Eating Guide
Practical Eating Guide
Eating vegan or vegetarian in Korea is possible—but it often requires asking the right questions at the right moment. Menus may not list all ingredients, and staff may assume that small amounts of fish or meat-based seasonings are acceptable unless you say otherwise.
This chapter gives you practical phrases you can actually use at restaurants, street food stalls, and convenience stores. You don’t need perfect Korean—just clarity and confidence.
Tip: Saying one clear sentence is usually more effective than explaining your diet in detail.
Ask about the broth first
Many Korean dishes rely on broth for flavor. Even vegetable-looking soups may be made with anchovies, shrimp, beef, pork, or chicken stock.
What to ask
이 국물은 소, 닭, 돼지고기 육수로 만들었나요? 아니면 멸치나 새우 같은 해산물로 만들었나요?
E gungmureun so, dak, dwaejigogi yuksuro mandeureotnayo?
Animyeon myeolchi-na saeu gateun haesanmullo mandeureotnayo?
Is this broth made with meat (beef, chicken, pork), or with seafood such as anchovies or shrimp?
Vegan-friendly answer to listen for
다시마 육수예요.
Dasima yuksu-yeyo.
It’s kelp broth.
Check sauces and seasonings
Fish sauce (액젓), anchovy extract, and meat-based seasonings are commonly used—even in side dishes and sauces.
What to ask
간장이나 액젓 들어갔나요?
Ganjang-ina aekjeot deureogannayo?
Does this contain soy sauce or fish sauce?
Ordering without side dishes (banchan)
Side dishes are usually served automatically and are often not vegan. You are not expected to eat everything that arrives on the table.
Polite option
반찬은 안 주셔도 괜찮습니다.
Banchaneun an jusyeodo gwaenchanseumnida.
I don’t need side dishes, thank you.
Customizing a dish (very common)
Many dishes can be made vegan or vegetarian simply by removing certain ingredients. Don’t hesitate to ask.
Vegan
고기, 계란 빼 주세요.
Gogi, gyeran ppae juseyo.
No meat, no egg, please.
Vegetarian
고기는 빼고, 계란은 괜찮습니다.
Gogineun ppaego, gyeraneun gwaenchanseumnida.
No meat is fine, egg is okay.
When ordering at kiosks
Many restaurants use self-order kiosks, which can make customization difficult. Staff are usually happy to help if you ask.
What to say
키오스크 주문 도와주세요.
Kioseukeu jumun dowajuseyo.
Please help me with the kiosk order.