Food allergies in Korea: the card to show at restaurants, in Korean
Peanuts, seafood, wheat… The Korean names of allergens, phrases to show at restaurants and what the law does (or does not) require from restaurants.
Machine translation from French, being reviewed. Read the French version (reference)
Contents
Travelling in Korea with a food allergy takes a little preparation: many dishes contain sauces, broths or toppings you cannot see. Here is how to make yourself understood.
What the law requires
Since 30 May 2017, large chains with 100 or more outlets selling burgers, pizza, pastries, bread or ice cream must show the allergens in their products1. The rule does not cover small neighbourhood restaurants: there, you have to ask.
The allergen list used includes: eggs, milk, buckwheat, peanuts, soybeans, wheat, mackerel, crab, shrimp, pork, peach, tomato, sulphites, walnuts, chicken, beef, squid and shellfish (including oysters, abalone and mussels)1. Pine nuts (잣) were added in 20182.
Allergen names in Korean
| English | Korean |
|---|---|
| Peanut | 땅콩 |
| Walnut | 호두 |
| Pine nut | 잣 |
| Shrimp | 새우 |
| Crab | 게 |
| Shellfish | 조개류 |
| Squid | 오징어 |
| Mackerel | 고등어 |
| Milk | 우유 |
| Eggs | 달걀 |
| Wheat | 밀 |
| Soy | 대두 |
| Buckwheat | 메밀 |
| Peach | 복숭아 |
| Sulphites | 아황산류 |
The card to show
Take a screenshot of these phrases and replace "땅콩" with your allergen:
Common traps
- Broths: many are made with anchovies, seafood or meat.
- Kimchi: it is often made with fish sauce or fermented shrimp.
- Buckwheat: it goes into some noodles (naengmyeon, makguksu).
- Fried food: the same oil may be used for seafood and vegetables.
In Dari, each dish page lists its common allergens (as a guide).
In DariWhat to eat? Dishes and their common allergensIf you react
Call 119 (emergency) and show the phrase "알레르기 반응이 있어요" (I am having an allergic reaction). If you carry an adrenaline pen, keep it with you.
In DariEmergencies: 119, hospitals and phrasesFrequently asked questions
Do Korean restaurants have to show allergens?
Only large chains with 100 or more outlets (burgers, pizza, bakeries, ice cream), since 20171. In other restaurants, ask.
How do I say "peanut allergy" in Korean?
"땅콩 알레르기가 있어요" (ttangkong allereugiga isseoyo).
Sources
- Sat Economy, affichage obligatoire des allergènes dans les grandes chaînes (29/05/2017) · checked on 26 October 2026
- Ministère de la Sécurité des aliments et des médicaments (MFDS), avis n° 2018-32 : ajout des pignons de pin (26/04/2018) · checked on 26 October 2026