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Eating with a diet · 알레르기

Food allergies in Korea

Sesame, soy, wheat, shellfish, fish and egg appear in a huge share of Korean dishes. Packaged food in Korea must list allergens; restaurant food does not, so carry a card in Korean.

What to watch for

  • Soy and wheat in the base saucesSoy sauce, doenjang and gochujang usually contain soy and wheat, so most braises, stews and marinades do too.
  • Shellfish and fish in kimchi and stockSalted shrimp and fish sauce go into kimchi; anchovy stock goes into many soups.
  • Buckwheat in cold noodlesNaengmyeon and makguksu are made with buckwheat, a serious allergen for some people.
  • Sesame and nuts as finishesSesame oil and seeds finish almost everything. Peanuts and walnuts top fried chicken, hotteok and sweets.

Say it

  • 알레르기가 있어요allereugiga isseoyoI have an allergy.
  • 이 음식에 들어가 있나요?i eumsige deureoga innayo?Is it in this dish?
  • 조금만 먹어도 위험해요jogeumman meogeodo wiheomhaeyoEven a little is dangerous.
  • 구급차 불러 주세요gugeupcha bulleo juseyoPlease call an ambulance.

Where it is easiest

  • Use the card below

    Choose your allergens, open the card full screen and show it before you order.

  • Packaged food labels

    Look for 알레르기 유발물질 on convenience-store labels; the allergens are listed after it.

  • Emergency

    Call 119 for an ambulance. Interpretation is available.

Free tool

Your Korean diet card

Choose what you cannot eat, then show the card full screen to the server or print it.

Allergies
Diet