Seoul, South Korea

Korea isn't really a vegetarian friendly country. That said, it is definitely possible to eat vegetarian while you are here, as I have lived here for 12 years without any major problem. Understand though, that people may find it odd that you don't eat meat and may even offer food that is not vegetarian friendly, without knowing that it has something animal based in it. It really does help to have a little Korean language ability, or a translator.

Check out this website. It has more information.

http://www.thevegetariantraveller.com/a-guide-to-being-vegetarian-in-south-korea/

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Hi Carmen, I partially agree with Geof, but actually the vegetarian and vegan scene in Korea is rising both in Korean and Western food. It isn't as friendly as other countries, but it's gotten a lot better in Seoul. There's a Loving Hut chain, and if you look up (Buddhist) temple food in Seoul, you'll likely find some good options. In addition, here is an article that was written just recently about great vegan options. I'm neither vegan nor vegetarian, but I'm always on the lookout for healthy food. If you're looking for other vegetarian restaurants, let me know. :)

http://www.timeout.com/seoul/restaurants/the-best-vegan-restaurants-in-seoul-are-here

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=101391246286214769758.00047d56ef3812ce76376&z=11

I highly recommend Gilsangsa. the temple located in Seoul but you can feel calm! I also recommend 'Suyeonsanbang'. It is traditional tea house. located near by the temple.

My favorite place for night sight. 'Naksan park'. located in heart of Seoul :)

I recommend a hike after or while sunset on Gwanaksan mountain. It´s very beautiful, and you can see the whole city while being in nature. In general the mountains in Seoul are fascinating but easy and fast to climb. Bukhansan has trails to walk longer, and it is a bis outside of the city.
On facebook and meetup.com you can find a group called Seoul Hiking Group, you can check this out too.

There are some temples in Seoul too, the biggest and most famous is a palace, Gyeongbokgung, you can´t miss it. Sometimes crowded, choose the time you visit it wisely. If you want to see a temple outside the city and more quiet I would recommend 1 on a mountain again, places where still monks are living.

In Seoul in Gangnam is a famous palace with a huge Buddha made from stone called Bongeunsa, it´s nice, many people like it and visit there, but I think the temples and religious places in some mountains are a way more fascinating. Convenient to go there, near the subway.

IT´s also not tooo far to Seoraksan National park, but if you want to hike there, you need to stay 1 night around there to be ready to start early the next day. It´s very beautiful and a bit challenging though.

If you have more questions, feel free to send me a message.

Good stuff - thanks heaps to you both, utterly appreciated! All noted, will look into it

Hi Stephanie,

If you haven't found one yet, i go to New Harvest Ministries at Sarangi Kyohui. It is charismatic Presbyterian, 10:00am is traditional with choir and 1:00pm more contemporary. Friendly mob. Let me know if you visit.

http://newharvestsarang.org/

Terence

Hi,
I know one it loacated in Hapjeong subway station (line no.2).
church named <100th Anniversary Memorial Church>.
There is also have museum and foreign Missionary cemetery. And Englsih worship is 2pm on Sunday.
Have a nice trip :)

Catholic Masses in English:

Myeongdong Cathedral, Sunday, 9:00 AM. 02-774-3890.

Catholic International Parish of Seoul, Franciscan Chapel, Hannam-dong, Sunday, 9 AM and 11 AM. 02-793-2070.

Sogang University Catholic Church, St. Ignatius Chapel, Sunday, 7:30 PM. 02-705-8118. Sinchon, exit 6, walk straight 5 minutes, turn left onto campus, walk up hill.

Songbuk-dong Church, Sunday, 9:30 AM. Hansung Univ. Station, exit 5. Walk straight, right on Seonjam-ro. left at 7-Eleven. 02-3673-4254, 02-2275-3134 or 016-234-7632

Yeoksam Catholic Church, Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Yeoksam-dong 722-9. 02-553-0801. Yeoksam Station, exit 2. 

Also, the military bases all have Catholic chapels, if you have access. Yongsan garrison's Holy Family Parish has services at Memorial Chapel on Saturday, 5:00 PM, and Sunday, 9:00 AM.

wow Anne, that would be really adventurous!!!

Really? Is it a bad idea?

haaaa, maybe very hot or heavy rain...

Thank you!

You can use free wifi. Korea is have a many free wifi.