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World Vegetarian Day: An Easy Way to Eat Veggies in Seoul, No Vegan Label Needed
AT A GLANCE
- Date
- October 1 (World Vegetarian Day)
- Easy start
- Bibimbap, an oat latte, a tofu lunch box
- Example
- Plant, Yeonnam branch (Mapo-gu)
- Note
- Check restaurant details in a map app
October 1 is World Vegetarian Day. In Korea, plant-based eating is often less about giving up meat for good and more about one good veggie meal when you feel like it. Here is how to try it without any big promise, and how to find veggie food in Seoul.
The hero image is AI-generated. It is not a photo of a real restaurant’s dish.
One green meal is enough today. Start small with bibimbap, an oat latte or a tofu lunch box.
What is World Vegetarian Day?
The North American Vegetarian Society started it in 1977, and the International Vegetarian Union backed it in 1978. It is held every October 1 to share the joy of vegetarian eating and respect for life. NAVS.
Interest is real in Korea too. The Korean Vegetarian Union estimates about 5% of people (around 2.5 million) are vegetarian, and that over a third either practice or prefer plant-based eating. That is a group’s estimate, not an official survey. Vegan News (in Korean).
Plant-based eating comes in levels
Knowing the words makes ordering easier.
| Name | What they skip |
|---|---|
| Vegan | Meat, fish, eggs and dairy |
| Pescatarian | Meat (seafood is fine) |
| Flexitarian | Mostly plants, some meat now and then |
| Meatless Monday | Meat, just one day a week |
Many people choose these relaxed steps over cutting everything. The “one veggie meal” in this post is that kind of start.
Easy ways to join today
No restaurant needed.
- Choose bibimbap (rice with mixed vegetables) or a veggie ssambap (lettuce-wrap rice set) for lunch. Check before you order whether meat or egg is on top.
- Switch your latte to oat milk.
- Pick a convenience-store lunch box built around tofu or mushrooms.
Finding veggie food in Seoul
Veggie restaurants are said to cluster in walkable areas like Seochon, Mangwon-dong and Hongdae–Yeonnam. Places open and close often, so search “비건” (vegan) or “채식” (vegetarian) in Naver Map or KakaoMap and check recent reviews and hours. Harper’s Bazaar Korea’s list of 50 vegetarian restaurants is another starting point (in Korean).
I could verify one place.
| Item | Plant, Yeonnam branch |
|---|---|
| What it is | A 100% vegan restaurant. It began in Itaewon and opened a second branch in Yeonnam-dong. |
| Address | 87 Worldcup-buk-ro 4-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul |
| Hours | Tue–Sun 11:00–22:00, closed Mondays, last order 21:00 |
| Menu | Items such as a hummus and pumpkin salad and a mushroom burger |
Hours come from the Diningcode listing and may have changed, so confirm on Naver or KakaoMap first. Diningcode, Triple (in Korean).
Restaurant details change often. Check opening status in a map app before you go.
Good to know before you try
- Vegan places can cost and portion differently from regular restaurants.
- Veggie dishes at ordinary restaurants may use broth or sauce made with animal products. If you follow a strict diet, ask when you order.
- Nutrition needs differ by health. Talk to a professional before making big changes to your diet.
More to read: why smoothies are back and eating alone, with something to look forward to.
Checked on October 1, 2026. Restaurant details change. Also used: Vegan News on October observances, Eating Does Matter and the NEWNEEK newsletter (Oct. 1, 2026).