This study compared the dietary perceptions, food labeling behaviors, and purchasing patterns of vegetarians and nonvegetarians. The data from 5,811 adults aged ≥19 years who participated in the 2023 Consumer Behavior Survey for Food were analyzed. The participants were divided into vegetarians and non-vegetarians according to their dietary practices. Vegetarians were further divided into strict, semi, and occasional vegetarians. Non-vegetarians regularly consumed plantand animal-based foods without dietary restrictions. Vegetarians comprised 15.4% of the participants, and health (50.4%) was the primary motivation for adopting a vegetarian lifestyle. Compared to non-vegetarians, vegetarians prioritized their rights and responsibilities as citizens and identified a vegetable-centered diet as the most crucial factor for health. Vegetarians showed greater interest and trust in food labeling than non-vegetarians. Vegetarians selected a wider variety of food and had different purchasing motivations when purchasing eco-friendly foods than non-vegetarians. Vegetarians exhibited higher purchase frequencies across all categories than non-vegetarians and had different reasons for purchasing convenience foods. These findings highlight the diversity of vegetarian dietary motivations and behaviors, emphasizing the need for tailored dietary policies and education.