Vegetarian Food Guide for Indian Travelers in Korea

One of the most common worries Indian travelers have before visiting Korea is food. Korean cuisine is famously centred on meat and seafood, and navigating unfamiliar menus while maintaining vegetarian, Jain, or halal requirements can seem daunting. But the reality is far more manageable — and delicious — than most expect.

Korean Temple Food: A Hidden Vegetarian Gem
Korea's Buddhist culinary tradition, known as temple food (사찰음식, sachal eumsik), is entirely plant-based and represents one of the world's great vegetarian cuisines. Typically free of even onion and garlic, making it compatible with Jain dietary requirements, temple food can be experienced at specialist restaurants and through the Templestay program. In Seoul, Balwoo Gongyang near Jogyesa Temple is a UNESCO-recognised temple food restaurant that offers beautifully presented multi-course vegetarian meals.

Indian Restaurants in Seoul
Seoul's Itaewon neighbourhood is home to a cluster of excellent Indian restaurants. New Delhi Restaurant (halal certified, been operating for over 20 years) serves reliable North Indian staples. Moti Mahal offers familiar butter paneer and dal makhani that will feel like a taste of home. Ganga has South Indian options including masala dosa. Prices are comparable to mid-range Indian restaurants in India.

Street Food for Vegetarians
Korean street food staples that are typically vegetarian include hotteok (sweet pancakes with brown sugar filling), gukhwa ppang (chrysanthemum custard cakes), roasted chestnuts (군밤), roasted sweet potatoes (군고구마), and corn on the cob. Always verify with vendors about shared cooking oils.

Convenience Store Strategy
GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven convenience stores (found on virtually every Korean street corner) are a vegetarian traveler's best friend. Look for egg or cheese triangle kimbap, fruit cups, banana milk, and instant noodles with vegetable broth. The Korean term for vegetarian — 채식주의자 — is worth saving on your phone.

Our Korea tour packages include pre-arranged Indian cuisine meals at vetted restaurants across Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and Gyeongju. Explore our India-friendly Korea packages for a trip where food stress is the last thing on your mind.