Korea Allergy Menu Translation Travelers in Korea: Practical Guide for Foreign Travelers

Quick answer

For travelers with food allergies in Korea, the most reliable method is to carry a printed or digital allergy translation card in Korean. Do not rely on restaurant staff understanding English allergy terms. Use the Korean phrase "알레르기 있습니다" (allergy exists) followed by the specific allergen. Major food allergens in Korea include: shellfish (갑각류), peanuts (땅콩), tree nuts (견과류), milk (우유), eggs (계란), wheat (밀), soy (대두), and buckwheat (메밀). Korean cuisine often uses hidden ingredients like gochujang (red chili paste) which may contain wheat, and broth bases that may contain shellfish or anchovy. Always confirm with the phrase "이 음식에 ___ 들어가나요?" (Does this food contain ___?).

Best route

Step 1: Prepare a Korean allergy card

Create a card with your allergens listed in Korean. Include the Korean name, common dishes where it appears, and a clear warning. Print multiple copies or save as a photo on your phone. You can find free templates on the VisitKorea website or use a translation app like Papago to generate the text.

Step 2: Learn key phrases

• "저는 ___ 알레르기가 있습니다." (I have an allergy to ___.)
• "이 음식에 ___ 들어가나요?" (Does this food contain ___?)
• "고기 육수인가요?" (Is it meat broth?) – to check for anchovy or shellfish base.
• "땅콩기름 사용하나요?" (Do you use peanut oil?)

Step 3: Choose safe restaurant types

• Korean BBQ (고기구이): Relatively safe if you order plain meat and avoid marinades. Ask for no sauce.
• Bibimbap (비빔밥): Can contain egg and gochujang (wheat). Request without gochujang and egg if needed.
• Sundubu jjigae (순두부찌개): Often contains shellfish or anchovy in broth. Ask for vegetable broth version.
• Kimbap (김밥): May contain egg, ham, or imitation crab. Request plain vegetable kimbap.

Step 4: Use apps for help

• Papago: Translate menus and communicate with staff.
• Mango Plate (망고플레이트): Korean restaurant review app; search for allergy-friendly keywords.
• VisitKorea official site: Has allergy information and emergency numbers.

Timing and tickets

No tickets needed for allergy translation. However, if you plan to visit food markets or cooking classes, book in advance and inform them of allergies. For emergency situations, dial 119 (ambulance) and say "알레르기 응급" (allergy emergency). Save the Korea Emergency Medical Information number: 1339.

Photo plan

Take photos of:

• Your allergy card in Korean.
• The ingredient list of any packaged snacks or drinks.
• The restaurant menu before ordering, so you can translate later if needed.
• The exterior of the restaurant for location reference.

Mistakes to avoid

• Assuming "no MSG" means no allergens: MSG is separate from common allergens.
• Trusting "vegetarian" labels: Korean vegetarian dishes may still use anchovy broth.
• Not checking side dishes (반찬): Many contain hidden allergens like sesame oil, wheat, or shellfish.
• Relying on English menus: They often omit allergen details. Always confirm in Korean.
• Forgetting about cross-contamination: Especially in markets or street food stalls.

Decision table

Use this table to make Korea Allergy Menu Translation Travelers in Korea: Practical Guide for Foreign Travelers easier to act on.

Source check

• VisitKorea official travel information: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/ – search for "allergy" for safety tips.
• Korea Tourism Organization's allergy card template: available on their site under "travel essentials."
• Emergency numbers: 119 (ambulance), 1339 (medical information).

FAQ

Q: Can I find allergy-friendly restaurants easily?

A: It's challenging. Use the Mango Plate app and filter by keywords like "알레르기" or "글루텐프리." Some restaurants in Itaewon or Hongdae cater to foreigners.

Q: What if I have celiac disease?

A: Korean cuisine is wheat-heavy (soy sauce, gochujang, noodles). Look for "글루텐 프리" (gluten-free) restaurants in Seoul. Carry a card explaining celiac disease.

Q: Is it safe to eat at street food stalls?

A: Risk of cross-contamination is high. Avoid if you have severe allergies. If you must, point to your allergy card and ask.

Q: Can I use Google Translate?

A: Papago is more accurate for Korean. Use it to translate menus and communicate.

Q: What should I do in an emergency?

A: Call 119. Say "알레르기 응급" and your location. If you have an epinephrine auto-injector, carry it with your allergy card.