8 easy ways to go organic in Seoul

Converting to an organic way of life in Seoul isn't as challenging as it once was. These days, it's as simple as making a few tweaks to some of the things you're already doing on a daily basis. 

Here are eight easy ways to give your organic street cred a boost. 

1. Get your pet in on the act

There's no shortage of 24-hour animal hospitals in Seoul's Nonhyeon neighborhood. But the kind staff at spacious and eco-conscious Grace Animal Hospital make things a little easier when it comes to choosing where to take your furry friend for all its basic necessities.

Organic food brands such as ANF and Natural Balance are sold here, as well as the adorably packaged Wagatha’s dog biscuits. Grace also offers all the typical animal hospital services including grooming, vaccinations and medical checkups. 

Consider putting Snowball up for a night or two in their pet hotel while off on holiday. Dogs run ₩15,000/night while cats are ₩20,000/night.

122-20 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu (서울시 강남구 논현동 122-20); +82 2 3442 5554; www.grace-ah.co.kr

2. Change your shampoo

If Sephora had an eco-conscious long lost baby sister in Korea its name would be Ontree. Stocked with nothing but organic brands -- mostly from Europe -- this cosmetics chain has shops all over the peninsula. 

You can find products for men, women and babies including shampoo, anti-aging solutions and baby lotion.

159-7 Hyundai Dept Store B1, Samsung-dong, Gangnam-gu (강남구 삼성동 159-7 현대백화점 B1.);  +82 2 3467 8880

30-33 Hyundai Dept Store B2, Cheongjeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu (서대문구 청전동 30-33 현대백화점 B2); +82 2 3145 2260

620-69 Lotte Plaza Jeonnong-dong, Dongdaemun-dong (동대문구 전농동 620-69 번지 롯데철량리 플라자); +822 3707 1004 

3. Go carb crazy

There are very few restaurants in Seoul where carnivores and vegans can eat in harmony. Veggie Holic is one of them.

A self-proclaimed “vegetable and organic brunch café” located in the art and design school district of Hongdae, this is the perfect place to load up on carb filled favorites. 

Brownies, cookies and muffins are there to tempt sweet tooths (₩2,000-₩6,000), but not all of them are vegan so be sure to double check with the staff for each item. 

They also have a dairy-free ice cream that could fool anyone into thinking otherwise, as well as tea and coffee.

Open daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 204-59 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu (마포구 동교동 204-59); +82 70 4114 0458; www.veggieholic.co.kr

4. Get a caffeine fix 

The interior of Seoul café Episode #3 is just too darn cute. There are little cubby seating areas reminiscent of childhood bunk beds and a cave-like room in the back that makes this the perfect place to sip coffee over a little business talk. 

Their coffee is not only organic but the coveted hand-drip style, made with beans from all over the world.

Other organic offerings include 12 cold/hot variations of Rishi teas and espresso drinks. Waffles, toast and beer are also sold at Episode #3, but are not organic.

813-9 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu (강남구 역삼동 813-9); +82 2 553 9545; Open daily, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.