Knowing how to communicate your food allergies is crucial when dining out or staying in Korea. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and vocabulary to help you clearly state your allergies, ask about ingredients, and navigate dining situations safely. Learn how to express “I have food allergies” and specify common allergens to ensure a safe and enjoyable culinary experience in Korea.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
This is the fundamental phrase to state that you have food allergies.
- Expression: 저 알레르기 있어요.
Pronunciation: Jeo al-le-reu-gi iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I have allergies.
Basic Allergy Statements
Use these phrases to communicate general information about your allergies.
- Expression: 저는 음식 알레르기가 있습니다.
Pronunciation: Jeo-neun eum-sik al-le-reu-gi-ga iss-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have food allergies. (Formal) - Expression: 특정 음식에 알레르기가 있어요.
Pronunciation: Teuk-jeong eum-sig-e al-le-reu-gi-ga iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I am allergic to specific foods. - Expression: 알레르기 반응이 심해요.
Pronunciation: Al-le-reu-gi ba-neung-i sim-hae-yo.
Meaning: My allergic reaction is severe. - Expression: 이것은 먹으면 안 돼요.
Pronunciation: I-geos-eun meog-eu-myeon an dwae-yo.
Meaning: I cannot eat this. - Expression: 제 알레르기를 조심해 주세요.
Pronunciation: Je al-le-reu-gi-reul jo-sim-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please be careful about my allergy. - Expression: 알레르기 때문에 못 먹어요.
Pronunciation: Al-le-reu-gi ttae-mun-e mot meog-eo-yo.
Meaning: I can’t eat it because of my allergy. - Expression: 혹시 알레르기 유발 성분이 있나요?
Pronunciation: Hok-si al-le-reu-gi yu-bal seong-bun-i iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there possibly any allergenic ingredients? - Expression: 저는 [Allergen] 알레르기가 있어요.
Pronunciation: Jeo-neun [Allergen] al-le-reu-gi-ga iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I have a [Allergen] allergy. - Expression: 알레르기 정보가 필요해요.
Pronunciation: Al-le-reu-gi jeong-bo-ga pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need allergy information. - Expression: 이 음식은 안전한가요?
Pronunciation: I eum-sig-eun an-jeon-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is this food safe (for me)? - Expression: 알레르기 카드가 있어요.
Pronunciation: Al-le-reu-gi ka-deu-ga iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I have an allergy card.
Specifying Common Allergens
Learn how to name specific foods you are allergic to.
- Expression: 땅콩 알레르기 있어요.
Pronunciation: Ttang-kong al-le-reu-gi iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I have a peanut allergy. - Expression: 견과류 알레르기 있어요.
Pronunciation: Gyeon-gwa-ryu al-le-reu-gi iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I have a tree nut allergy. - Expression: 우유 알레르기 있어요. (유제품)
Pronunciation: U-yu al-le-reu-gi iss-eo-yo. (Yu-je-pum)
Meaning: I have a milk allergy. (Dairy products) - Expression: 계란 알레르기 있어요.
Pronunciation: Gye-ran al-le-reu-gi iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I have an egg allergy. - Expression: 해산물 알레르기 있어요.
Pronunciation: Hae-san-mul al-le-reu-gi iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I have a seafood allergy. - Expression: 갑각류 알레르기 있어요. (새우, 게)
Pronunciation: Gap-gang-nyu al-le-reu-gi iss-eo-yo. (Sae-u, ge)
Meaning: I have a shellfish allergy. (Shrimp, crab) - Expression: 생선 알레르기 있어요.
Pronunciation: Saeng-seon al-le-reu-gi iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I have a fish allergy. - Expression: 밀 알레르기 있어요. (글루텐)
Pronunciation: Mil al-le-reu-gi iss-eo-yo. (Geul-lu-ten)
Meaning: I have a wheat allergy. (Gluten) - Expression: 콩 알레르기 있어요. (대두)
Pronunciation: Kong al-le-reu-gi iss-eo-yo. (Dae-du)
Meaning: I have a soy allergy. (Soybean) - Expression: 복숭아 알레르기 있어요.
Pronunciation: Bok-sung-a al-le-reu-gi iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I have a peach allergy. - Expression: 메밀 알레르기 있어요.
Pronunciation: Me-mil al-le-reu-gi iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I have a buckwheat allergy. - Expression: 깨 알레르기 있어요.
Pronunciation: Kkae al-le-reu-gi iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I have a sesame allergy.
Asking About Ingredients at Restaurants
Use these questions to confirm ingredients with restaurant staff.
- Expression: 이 음식에 [Allergen] 들어갔나요?
Pronunciation: I eum-sig-e [Allergen] deul-eo-gass-na-yo?
Meaning: Does this dish contain [Allergen]? - Expression: [Allergen] 빼고 만들어 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: [Allergen] ppae-go man-deul-eo ju-sil su iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Can you make it without [Allergen]? - Expression: 혹시 이 소스에 견과류가 들어가나요?
Pronunciation: Hok-si i so-seu-e gyeon-gwa-ryu-ga deul-eo-ga-na-yo?
Meaning: Does this sauce possibly contain nuts? - Expression: 유제품 안 들어간 메뉴가 있나요?
Pronunciation: Yu-je-pum an deul-eo-gan me-nyu-ga iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any dairy-free menu items? - Expression: 글루텐 프리 옵션이 있습니까?
Pronunciation: Geul-lu-ten peu-ri op-syeon-i iss-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Do you have gluten-free options? - Expression: 재료 목록을 볼 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: Jae-ryo mong-rog-eul bol su iss-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could I see the ingredient list? - Expression: 이 요리는 저에게 안전한가요?
Pronunciation: I yo-ri-neun jeo-e-ge an-jeon-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is this dish safe for me? - Expression: 교차 오염 가능성이 있나요?
Pronunciation: Gyo-cha o-yeom ga-neung-seong-i iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a possibility of cross-contamination? - Expression: 주방에 제 알레르기에 대해 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: Ju-bang-e je al-le-reu-gi-e dae-hae al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please inform the kitchen about my allergy. - Expression: 땅콩 기름을 사용하시나요?
Pronunciation: Ttang-kong gi-reum-eul sa-yong-ha-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you use peanut oil? - Expression: 이 반찬에는 뭐가 들어갔어요?
Pronunciation: I ban-chan-e-neun mwo-ga deul-eo-gass-eo-yo?
Meaning: What is in this side dish?
Handling Allergy Reactions
Know these phrases in case of an allergic reaction.
- Expression: 알레르기 반응이 나타났어요.
Pronunciation: Al-le-reu-gi ba-neung-i na-ta-nass-eo-yo.
Meaning: I’m having an allergic reaction. - Expression: 숨쉬기가 어려워요.
Pronunciation: Sum-swi-gi-ga eo-ryeo-wo-yo.
Meaning: I’m having difficulty breathing. - Expression: 피부가 가렵고 부어올라요.
Pronunciation: Pi-bu-ga ga-ryeop-go bu-eo-ol-la-yo.
Meaning: My skin is itchy and swelling up. - Expression: 구급차를 불러 주세요.
Pronunciation: Gu-geup-cha-reul bul-leo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please call an ambulance. - Expression: 병원에 가야 해요.
Pronunciation: Byeong-won-e ga-ya hae-yo.
Meaning: I need to go to the hospital. - Expression: 에피펜이 필요해요.
Pronunciation: E-pi-pen-i pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need my EpiPen. - Expression: 제 약은 가방 안에 있어요.
Pronunciation: Je yag-eun ga-bang an-e iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: My medicine is in my bag. - Expression: 알레르기 약 좀 주세요.
Pronunciation: Al-le-reu-gi yak jom ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please give me some allergy medicine. - Expression: 가장 가까운 병원이 어디예요?
Pronunciation: Ga-jang ga-kka-un byeong-won-i eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is the nearest hospital? - Expression: 도움이 필요해요.
Pronunciation: Do-um-i pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need help. - Expression: 어지러워요.
Pronunciation: Eo-ji-reo-wo-yo.
Meaning: I feel dizzy. - Expression: 목이 붓는 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: Mog-i but-neun geot gat-a-yo.
Meaning: I think my throat is swelling.
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding cultural context can help when discussing allergies.
- Awareness Level: While awareness of food allergies is growing in Korea, it might not be as widespread as in some Western countries. Be prepared to explain clearly and patiently.
- Hidden Ingredients: Korean cuisine often uses complex sauces and pastes (like gochujang, doenjang) where allergens (soy, wheat, sometimes nuts) might not be obvious. Always double-check sauces and marinades.
- Shared Dishes: Korean dining culture often involves sharing multiple side dishes (banchan). Be cautious about cross-contamination if dining with others. It might be safer to ask for individual portions or avoid shared items you’re unsure about.
- Language Barrier: Staff in smaller or more traditional restaurants may not speak English or fully understand the severity of allergies. Using clear Korean phrases or an allergy card is highly recommended.
- “Little Bit is Okay?”: Some might underestimate the severity and ask if a small amount is acceptable. Firmly reiterate that you cannot consume any amount of the allergen (절대로 못 먹어요 – jeol-dae-ro mot meog-eo-yo – I absolutely cannot eat it).
Real Conversation Example
Here’s how a conversation might go when ordering food with an allergy.
Situation: A customer with a peanut allergy is ordering food at a Korean restaurant.
Roles: A: Customer, B: Restaurant Staff
- Expression: A: 안녕하세요. 주문할게요. 저는 땅콩 알레르기가 아주 심해요.
Pronunciation: A: An-nyeong-ha-se-yo. Ju-mun-hal-ge-yo. Jeo-neun ttang-kong al-le-reu-gi-ga a-ju sim-hae-yo.
Meaning: A: Hello. I’d like to order. I have a very severe peanut allergy. - Expression: B: 아, 네. 알겠습니다. 어떤 메뉴를 보고 계신가요?
Pronunciation: B: A, ne. Al-gess-seum-ni-da. Eo-tteon me-nyu-reul bo-go gye-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: B: Oh, okay. I understand. Which menu item are you looking at? - Expression: A: 이 비빔밥을 먹고 싶은데요, 혹시 땅콩이나 땅콩 기름이 들어가나요?
Pronunciation: A: I bi-bim-bab-eul meok-go sip-eun-de-yo, hok-si ttang-kong-i-na ttang-kong gi-reum-i deul-eo-ga-na-yo?
Meaning: A: I’d like to have this bibimbap, but does it possibly contain peanuts or peanut oil? - Expression: B: 잠시만요, 주방에 확인해 보겠습니다… 네, 저희 비빔밥 소스에는 땅콩이 들어가지 않습니다. 참기름을 사용합니다.
Pronunciation: B: Jam-si-man-yo, ju-bang-e hwa-gin-hae bo-gess-seum-ni-da… Ne, jeo-hui bi-bim-bap so-seu-e-neun ttang-kong-i deul-eo-ga-ji an-seum-ni-da. Cham-gi-reum-eul sa-yong-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: B: One moment, I will check with the kitchen… Yes, our bibimbap sauce does not contain peanuts. We use sesame oil. - Expression: A: 아, 다행이네요. 그럼 비빔밥 하나 주세요. 다른 반찬에도 땅콩이 들어가지 않도록 조심해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: A: A, da-haeng-i-ne-yo. Geu-reom bi-bim-bap ha-na ju-se-yo. Da-reun ban-chan-e-do ttang-kong-i deul-eo-ga-ji an-to-rok jo-sim-hae ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: A: Oh, that’s a relief. Then please give me one bibimbap. Could you also please be careful that no peanuts are in the other side dishes? - Expression: B: 네, 주방에 다시 한번 강조해서 전달하겠습니다. 알레르기 조심해서 준비해 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: B: Ne, ju-bang-e da-si han-beon gang-jo-hae-seo jeon-dal-ha-gess-seum-ni-da. Al-le-reu-gi jo-sim-hae-seo jun-bi-hae deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, I will emphasize it again to the kitchen. We will prepare it carefully considering the allergy.
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to important health information! Try role-playing ordering food with a friend~ Memorize the core phrase “저 [Allergen] 알레르기 있어요” (Jeo [Allergen] al-le-reu-gi iss-eo-yo) first. Creating or printing an allergy card in Korean can also be super helpful! Don’t hesitate to use these phrases – your safety is the top priority! Fighting! (화이팅! – hwa-i-ting!)
