The eggless sandwich at ByTofu in Seoul is legendary. Speak to almost any vegan who has recently visited the South Korean capital, and there’s a good chance they’ll mention it. The combination of fluffy tofu egg salad, fresh-baked bread, crispy cucumber, juicy tomatoes, velvety avocado mayonnaise, and sweet strawberry jam (yes, you read that correctly) keeps people returning to the café in the vibrant, trendy central Yongsan District. For some travelers, ByTofu is the first place they visit after landing.
Yes, the top item on the priority list, ahead of South Korea’s spectacular scenery, historic landmarks, and towering glass skyscrapers, is a tofu sandwich.
Perhaps it isn’t all that surprising that tofu is a vegan attraction in South Korea. It is a beloved staple with a long history in Korean cuisine. During the Goryeo period, between 918 and 1392, people even wrote poems about tofu, or dubu in Korean. Some visitors might be tempted to write poetry about the ByTofu sandwich, too. Maybe they already have.
ByTofu’s vegan egg sandwiches are legendary in Seoul. | ByTofu
ByTofu isn’t alone. The café is part of South Korea’s thriving vegan scene, which marries traditional ingredients with modern appetites. According to HappyCow, there are nearly 900 vegan-friendly restaurants across the country. Almost half are concentrated in Seoul, but travelers will also find dozens of options in popular destinations such as the coastal city of Busan and the sprawling island of Jeju.
For vegan travelers, the food alone is reason enough to visit. That was the case for Paul Eyers, co-founder of the vegan travel guide and review site Vegan Food Quest, who recalls spending most of his time in Seoul eating, as well as “walking and soaking up the unique vibe that is omnipresent in the city.”
“Having lived in Southeast Asia for more than 12 years and explored many corners of the region since the late 90s, nothing could have prepared us for the sensory overload and bustling vibe of this exciting city,” he told VegNews.
How to experience South Korea in just one week
Like Eyers, most visitors to South Korea begin in Seoul, and not just because of its vegan options. The capital blends the futuristic with the traditional, with modern skyscrapers standing alongside ancient temples. You could spend months exploring the city and still feel as though you had barely scratched the surface.
But let’s be honest: not everyone has months to dedicate to exploring. If you have only seven days in South Korea, don’t worry. The trip is still well worth taking, and you’ll have plenty of time to see the sights and sample the food.
The key is to prioritize quality over quantity, says Verene Erhart of Vegan Tours New York, which runs tours in New York City and beyond, including a vegan trip to South Korea this fall.
“Seoul could keep you busy for months,” she says. “But in order to get a feel for the country, I would divide my time between Seoul and Busan if possible. Taking the high-speed train between the two cities is an experience on its own.”
Busan is just a short high-speed train ride from Seoul. | Korea Tourism Organization, Lee Subin
For a more relaxing escape, Erhart also recommends Jeju Island, which is a short flight from Seoul.
To help you plan, we spoke with Eyers and Erhart about how to make the most of one week in South Korea. With their expert guidance, we’ve created a comprehensive seven-day vegan itinerary that begins in Seoul and then heads to Busan or Jeju. So leave the planning to us and get straight to exploring and eating—we hope your stomach is ready.
But before we dive in, here’s what you need to know about when to visit, where to stay, and how to make the most of your trip.
Choosing the perfect time to visit South Korea
If you have only seven days to explore, choosing the right time of year is essential. Three words: avoid peak summer. As in many parts of the world, the climate crisis is making South Korea’s hottest season even hotter. In 2026, temperatures regularly exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
For cooler, more comfortable conditions, book your trip during spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). The weather is generally pleasant, with a lower risk of heat waves and extreme conditions such as monsoon rains.
If you prefer cold weather, winter is another option. Be prepared, however, as nighttime temperatures can fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Korean Air offers a range of in-flight vegan meals, including tteokgalbi and siraegi. | Korean Air
Transportation 101
Several airlines fly from the US to South Korea, including Delta and United, but many travelers recommend flying to Seoul with Korean Air. The airline is known for its comfortable flights, strong customer service, and wide selection of food. Vegan meals are available, including Korean-style dishes such as tofu tteokgalbi (a plant-based version of minced beef short ribs) and siraegi (sun-dried radish greens) with braised potatoes. There are also Western options: just make sure to request one when booking.
Korean Air also flies to South Korea from several major European cities, including London, Madrid, Amsterdam, and Paris.
Once you arrive in Seoul, getting around is relatively easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Erhart recommends downloading Naver Maps, for example. “It’s the local equivalent of Google Maps,” she explains. “It will guide you around the country. It has way more functionality than Google Maps, which is somewhat limited.”
When you need a ride, make sure you have Kakao T downloaded. “It’s the South Korean version of Uber or Grab,” says Eyers. “It will make hailing a ride that much easier.”
Finding your perfect base: South Korea stays to consider
Our seven-day itinerary covers three destinations: Seoul, Busan, and Jeju. So, where should you stay in each one? Here are some of our top accommodation picks to help narrow your search.
For luxury and high-end Japanese dining, stay at Four Seasons Seoul
Four Seasons operates luxury hotels around the world, and South Korea is no exception. Its stylish, contemporary Seoul property sits in the heart of the elegant Jongno-gu district and features several bars and restaurants, including Akira Back, a Japanese-fusion restaurant with a dedicated vegan menu. That means that after a long day of exploring the city, you can enjoy a banquet of dishes such as crispy avocado rice, seaweed salad, popcorn tofu, and vegetable tempura.
For a cozy home away from home, book this vegan Airbnb in Busan
An apartment in the same building as a vegan bakery and a vegan grocery store? We may have struck vegan gold. Guests who have stayed at this Airbnb in Busan’s portside Chungmu-dong neighborhood describe it as a vegan paradise that is also clean, comfortable, quiet, and conveniently located near a subway station, making it easy to sightsee.
Embrace nature at Doldam B&B on Jeju Island
If you’re looking for tranquility, peace, and nature, Doldam B&B on Jeju Island delivers. It’s located in the busy resort city of Seogwipo, but you wouldn’t know it. Situated on the beach, the B&B is welcoming, friendly, and cozy, according to former guests. Doldam B&B is conveniently located for sightseeing, and you can also enjoy on-site activities, including vegan-friendly cooking classes. Just let the owners know you’re plant-based, and they’ll cook you a nourishing vegan breakfast every morning. We can see why some reviewers have called this place heaven on earth.
Mahina Vegan Table is the place to go for high-end, Italian dining. | Mahina Vegan Table
Don’t miss vegan fried chicken, Italian fine-dining, and doughnuts in Seoul
As we said, Seoul isn’t short on vegan options. There are hundreds of vegan-friendly restaurants across the city, and according to HappyCow, nearly 60 of them are entirely vegan. As much as we would love to visit them all in a few days, that probably isn’t possible, although you’re welcome to give it your best shot.
As we’ve established, ByTofu is a must. The Eggless Egg Mayo sandwich is a firm favorite, but you can also choose from wraps, smoothies, freshly squeezed orange juice, nourishing bowls, and freshly baked cookies.
For lunch, dinner, and dessert, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Eyers loved the Korean-spiced vegan chicken at Vegan Insa in the historic Jongno District and indulged in vegan doughnuts at “the excellent O.verte” in the bustling Jung District.
For Western-style food, check out Mahina Vegan Table in Gangnam for Italian-inspired fine dining or Weirdough in Seodaemun-gu for pizza. Camouflage in the Yongsan District is also a good choice for American-Chinese cuisine.
Our top restaurant picks in Seoul:
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ByTofu, Yongsan District
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Camouflage, Yongsan District
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Mahina Vegan Table, Gangnam District
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O.verte, Jung District
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Vegan Insa, Jongno District
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Weirdough, Seodaemun-gu
Soban Vegan is all about hearty, delicious, vegan comfort food. | Soban Vegan
Inside Busan’s thriving vegan food scene, with temple food and fine dining
With more than 70 vegan-friendly restaurants, nine of which are entirely vegan, Busan isn’t short on plant-based options. “Great vegan spots are dotted throughout the city,” Erhart assures.
Soban Vegan in Seo-gu is one such spot, serving homestyle Korean dishes such as bean bulgogi, fried dumplings, and crispy soy chicken. For fine dining, visit the Michelin-recommended Arp in the island district of Yeongdo-gu. Expect high-end Asian fusion, fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and creative presentation. Just make sure to book in advance, as the restaurant is seriously popular.
For healthy, organic, and nourishing plant-based food, try Nayuta’s Kitchen in Geumjeong-gu. Don’t miss the selection of vegan temple food at Vegenarang in Suyeong-gu, either. For pure comfort, head to Pyeonhan Jipbap in Buk-gu for hearty soups, noodles, dumplings, and soy chicken.
Our top restaurant picks in Busan:
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Arp, Yeongdo-gu
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Nayuta’s Kitchen, Geumjeong-gu
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Pyeonhan Jipbap, Buk-gu
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Soban Vegan, Seo-gu
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Vegenarang, Suyeong-gu
Tathata is known for its vegan take on bingsu, a traditional Korean dessert. | Tathata
Ocean views, vegan hot pot, and bingsu in Jeju
Jeju doesn’t disappoint when it comes to vegan food. According to HappyCow, the island has more than 90 vegan-friendly restaurants, 12 of which are entirely vegan.
One must-visit spot is AndYuCafe in Jeju-si, which serves an extensive menu of Asian-Western fusion dishes. Think club sandwiches, green curry, and vegan chicken burgers, with plenty of cakes for dessert.
Cafe Craft Danda in the coastal town of Gujwa-eup offers vegan versions of traditional Korean dishes, alongside yoga classes and a shop selling handmade clothing. Gujwa-eup is also home to Five Seventh, which serves Asian-Western fusion food and offers stunning ocean views. At Lan’s Kitchen in Aewol-eup, you’ll find vegan takes on Vietnamese and Korean classics, including banh mi and hot pot.
For a sweet treat, head to Tathata in Aewol Port Harbor for traditional vegan bingsu, a fluffy shaved-ice dessert.
Our top restaurant picks in Jeju:
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AndYuCafe, Jeju-si
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Cafe Craft Danda, Gujwa-eup
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Five Seventh, Gujwa-eup
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Lan’s Kitchen, Aewol-eup
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Tathata, Aewol Port
Make sure to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, a 14th-century former royal palace in Seoul. | Korea Tourism Organization, Lee Bumsu
The ultimate seven-day vegan South Korea itinerary
Okay, it’s time to plan your activities. Here, we’ve pulled together the ultimate seven-day vegan South Korea Itinerary with the help of our experts.
Day 1: Settling in, getting to know Seoul
After you’ve battled your way through customs and made it to your hotel, take a deep breath. Things are about to get busy.
If you’re ready to stretch your legs after the journey, head toward Namsan Park. Enjoy a leisurely walk before making your way up to the famous N Seoul Tower for sweeping views across the city.
Ride the historic Namsan Cable Car back down, ready for an evening of fun. Feeling fancy? Make a reservation at the Michelin-recommended Legume. If you’d rather experience Seoul’s bustling nightlife, consider joining an organized pub crawl with one of the city’s many tour operators.
Day 2: Take yourself on a self-guided walking tour of historic Seoul
Start the day by grabbing breakfast at ByTofu after it opens at 9 am (just be sure to check it’s open, as it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
You’ll need a hearty breakfast because you’re about to rack up a lot of steps. Fun fact: Seoul was ranked as the most walkable city in the world by Time Out this year.
Start your sightseeing at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the 14th-century former royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Then head to Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional Korean houses line the narrow streets. From there, continue toward Insadong and Ikseon-dong, two neighborhoods packed with shops, cafés, and restaurants.
This would be a great opportunity for a lunch stop at Vegan Insa, and after you’ve filled up on fried chicken, you can stroll toward Cheonggyecheon Stream, an 7-mile-long stream that runs through downtown Seoul.
“We were particularly impressed by Cheonggyecheon Stream, which has replaced an elevated highway in the heart of the city,” says Eyers. “It’s now a hub of activity and [people exercising] and has attracted a myriad of wildlife to this urban artery.”
Day 3: Temple day
According to Erhart, a half-day or overnight temple stay is an essential experience when visiting South Korea. It’s peaceful, restorative, and culturally enriching. As an added bonus for vegan travelers, Korean Buddhist temple cuisine is traditionally plant-based.
Seoul is home to many Buddhist temples, but historic Jingwansa, one of the city’s four major temples, stands out for its location in the scenic Bukhansan National Park. During a temple stay, you’ll gain firsthand insight into Korean monastic life through activities such as meditation, chanting, and tea ceremonies. You can also expect simple meals of rice and vegetables served in balwoo, the traditional wooden bowls used in Korean Buddhist temples.
If you don’t have the opportunity to visit a temple, stop by Balwoo Gongyang in Jongno District for fine-dining vegan temple cuisine. The menu changes with the season, but in the fall, you can expect dishes like root vegetable japchae, deep-fried mushrooms with chili, pickled vegetables, and candied walnuts.
Picturesque Jeju Island is just a short flight from Seoul. | Korea Tourism Organization, Jeong Heui-jun
Day 4: Pick your adventure–Busan or Jeju Island
Now, it’s time to see a little more of South Korea outside of the Seoul metropolis. But “don’t try to cram too much in a week,” reminds Erhart. It’s about quality, not quantity.
Her advice? Pick between Busan and Jeju Island, both of which are located just a few hours from Seoul. Want more bustling city action with a touch of sea air? Head to Busan. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle, pick Jeju Island, which is a haven for nature lovers. “It’s small enough to be explored in a few days (and a short flight from Seoul’s Gimpo Airport).”
For Busan, hop on either the Korea Train Express at Seoul Station or the Super Rapid Train at Suseo Station—both high-speed bullet trains that will have you in Busan within two to three hours. For Jeju Island, the quickest option is a domestic flight, which takes a little over an hour from either Gimpo International Airport or Incheon International Airport.
You can spend the rest of the day settling into your hotels and exploring your new surroundings. Stock up on vegan groceries (especially if you’re staying in Busan’s Airbnb!), take a walk along the beach, or spend the afternoon poolside, with a cocktail, before heading out to dinner.
Day 5: Explore Busan or Jeju
If you picked Busan, make the most of the walking paths and oceanfront temples, says Erhart. And don’t miss the “huge Korean Jjiljimbang, a spa located inside the world’s largest department store.” Called Spa Land Centum City, this spa features 22 natural thermal water baths, multiple saunas, indoor gardens, and outdoor foot baths.
You could also head for a 30-minute private ride on the Haeundae Blueline Park Sky Capsule for stunning views of Busan’s skyline, or take a ride along the coast on the old railway line via Busan’s scenic Beach Train.
The Gamcheon Culture Village, full of murals and bright, colorful homes, is another stand-out choice. The Haedong Yonggungsa, one of the most famous temples in South Korea, is also worth prioritizing, but note you will probably need to book a private transfer, as it’s a little way from the city center.
If you picked Jeju, spend the day relaxing on one of the island’s beaches or, if you want to take in more of the sights, rent a car or join a tour.
The island is full of volcanic craters, waterfalls, and seriously impressive caves, including the recently reopened Manjanggul Lava Tube, part of Jeju’s UNESCO-listed volcanic landscape.
Soak up the last few hours of Seoul before catching your flight home. | Korea Tourism Organization, Jeong Kyujin
Day 6: Soak up your last few hours in Busan or Jeju, then head back to Seoul
Haven’t had your fill of Busan or Jeju? Take the morning to squeeze in a little more exploring before heading back to Seoul.
In Busan, you could explore Nampo, which is home to the famous Diamond Tower and Biff Walking Street. In Jeju, consider a trip to Iho Tewoo Beach, which is just a short bus ride from the airport and perfect for a last-minute swim.
Once you’re back in the capital, keep things relaxed. Eyers’ tip? Dedicate your final afternoon or evening to Yeouido Hangang Park.
“If escaping the concrete skyscrapers and oversized (and seriously impressive) 3D digital billboards is on your agenda, then be sure to spend time walking through Yeouido Hangang Park,” he says. “It’s on the banks of the Han River and gives more opportunity to relax and rejuvenate, surrounded by nature, breathing the fresh air.”
Day 7: Enjoy vegan bulgogi before your flight home
Before you leave, Eyers recommends seeking out a plant-based version of bulgogi, the famous Korean dish traditionally made with thinly sliced, marinated meat.
“We made sure to search for a plant-based version of this South Korean staple,” says Eyers. “This vegan food quest led us to Hotel 28 in Myeongdong, which listed a vegan version on its breakfast menu. It was insanely good.”
After breakfast, squeeze in some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before heading to the airport. But don’t worry, we suspect you’ll be back. In fact, you might find yourself searching for return flights before you’ve even landed at home.
Thank you to the Korea Tourism Organization for partnering with VegNews on this story.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
