Traveling in Korea with food allergies

Prepare an allergy card before your trip

Carry a card in Korean that names the exact allergen, explains the severity of the reaction and asks about ingredients, broth, sauce, garnish, oil and shared equipment. Show it before ordering and keep a second copy on your phone.

Know where allergens can hide

• Soy and wheat: soy sauce, doenjang, gochujang, marinades and many dipping sauces.
• Fish and shellfish: anchovy or seafood stock, fish sauce, salted seafood and kimchi seasoning.
• Sesame and nuts: sesame oil, seeds, powders, dressings and garnishes.
• Egg and dairy: batters, bakery items, ramen toppings, desserts and some café drinks.
• Buckwheat: naengmyeon and memil noodles; recipes may mix more than one flour.

A dish that looks free of an allergen can still use it in the broth or seasoning. Ask about the entire preparation.

Understand the shared-table culture

Many Korean meals place banchan, grills, stews and sauces in the center for everyone to share. Chopsticks, tongs, scissors and grills may touch several dishes. If cross-contact is a serious risk, explain this clearly and ask for separate utensils and an individually prepared dish. A busy barbecue, buffet, street-food stall or set menu may not be able to provide that safely.

Declining food can feel awkward, but safety comes first. A simple 알레르기가 있어서 못 먹어요 (“I cannot eat it because of an allergy”) is clearer than saying you do not like it.

Read packaged-food labels carefully

Korea requires designated allergenic ingredients to be declared on packaged foods, and cross-contact warnings may also appear. Look for the separate allergy statement near the ingredient list, often using 함유 (contains) or 혼입 가능 (may contain).

Do not rely on the front of the package or an automatic translation alone. Product recipes can change, and imported products may use a Korean sticker label.

Make an emergency plan

Carry prescribed medication, including epinephrine auto-injectors if your clinician has advised them, in an accessible place and tell your companion how to help. For breathing difficulty, collapse or another life-threatening reaction, call 119 for an ambulance. The Korea Tourism Organization lists 1330 for non-life-threatening travel assistance and interpretation.