Explaining Food Allergies in Korean

Communicating food allergies is crucial for safety when dining out or traveling in Korea. This guide provides essential Korean expressions to clearly explain your food allergies, inquire about ingredients, and ensure a safe dining experience. Learn how to navigate conversations about dietary restrictions effectively.

Core Expression

This is the fundamental term you need to know.

• Expression: 음식 알레르기 (Eumsik allereugi)
  Pronunciation: eum-sik al-le-reu-gi
  Meaning: Food allergy (음식 = food, 알레르기 = allergy)

Stating Your Allergy

Use these phrases to inform others about your allergy.

• Expression: 저는 [알레르겐] 알레르기가 있어요.
  Pronunciation: Jeo-neun [allergen] al-le-reu-gi-ga i-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: I have a [allergen] allergy.
• Expression: [알레르겐] 못 먹어요.
  Pronunciation: [Allergen] mot meo-geo-yo.
  Meaning: I can’t eat [allergen].
• Expression: 제게 [알레르겐] 알레르기가 있습니다. (Formal)
  Pronunciation: Je-ge [allergen] al-le-reu-gi-ga it-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I have a [allergen] allergy. (Formal)
• Expression: 이 음식에 [알레르겐] 들어있나요?
  Pronunciation: I eum-si-ge [allergen] deu-reo-in-na-yo?
  Meaning: Does this food contain [allergen]?
• Expression: [알레르겐] 빼고 만들어 주실 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: [Allergen] ppae-go man-deu-reo ju-sil su in-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can you make it without [allergen]?
• Expression: 저는 특정 음식에 알레르기가 있어요.
  Pronunciation: Jeo-neun teuk-jeong eum-si-ge al-le-reu-gi-ga i-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: I am allergic to certain foods.
• Expression: 알레르기 반응이 심해요.
  Pronunciation: Al-le-reu-gi ba-neung-i sim-hae-yo.
  Meaning: My allergic reaction is severe.
• Expression: 혹시 [알레르겐]이 들어갔는지 확인해 주세요.
  Pronunciation: Hok-si [allergen]-i deu-reo-gan-neun-ji hwa-gin-hae ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please check if it contains [allergen], just in case.
• Expression: 알레르기 때문에 조심해야 해요.
  Pronunciation: Al-le-reu-gi ttae-mu-ne jo-sim-hae-ya hae-yo.
  Meaning: I need to be careful because of my allergy.
• Expression: 이 소스에는 뭐가 들어있어요?
  Pronunciation: I so-seu-e-neun mwo-ga deu-reo-i-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: What is in this sauce?
• Expression: 안전하게 먹을 수 있는 메뉴가 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: An-jeon-ha-ge meo-geul su it-neun me-nyu-ga i-sseul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Is there a menu item I can eat safely?
• Expression: 알레르기 정보 좀 알려주세요.
  Pronunciation: Al-le-reu-gi jeong-bo jom al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please give me some allergy information.

Common Allergens

Here are the Korean names for common food allergens.

• Expression: 땅콩 (Ttangkong)
  Pronunciation: ttang-kong
  Meaning: Peanut
• Expression: 견과류 (Gyeongwaryu)
  Pronunciation: gyeon-gwa-ryu
  Meaning: Nuts (Tree nuts)
• Expression: 우유 (Uyu)
  Pronunciation: u-yu
  Meaning: Milk
• Expression: 유제품 (Yujepum)
  Pronunciation: yu-je-pum
  Meaning: Dairy products
• Expression: 계란 (Gyeran)
  Pronunciation: gye-ran
  Meaning: Egg
• Expression: 밀 (Mil)
  Pronunciation: mil
  Meaning: Wheat
• Expression: 글루텐 (Geulluten)
  Pronunciation: geul-lu-ten
  Meaning: Gluten
• Expression: 콩 / 대두 (Kong / Daedu)
  Pronunciation: kong / dae-du
  Meaning: Soy / Soybean
• Expression: 생선 (Saengseon)
  Pronunciation: saeng-seon
  Meaning: Fish
• Expression: 조개류 (Jogaeryu)
  Pronunciation: jo-gae-ryu
  Meaning: Shellfish (Clams, mussels, etc.)
• Expression: 갑각류 (Gapgangnyu)
  Pronunciation: gap-gang-nyu
  Meaning: Crustaceans (Shrimp, crab, lobster)
• Expression: 복숭아 (Boksunga)
  Pronunciation: bok-sung-a
  Meaning: Peach

Asking About Ingredients

Use these questions to clarify what’s in a dish.

• Expression: 이 요리에 [재료] 들어가나요?
  Pronunciation: I yo-ri-e [jae-ryo] deu-reo-ga-na-yo?
  Meaning: Does this dish contain [ingredient]?
• Expression: [재료] 없이 만들어 주실 수 있어요?
  Pronunciation: [Jae-ryo] eop-si man-deu-reo ju-sil su i-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Can you make it without [ingredient]?
• Expression: 어떤 재료가 사용되었나요?
  Pronunciation: Eo-tteon jae-ryo-ga sa-yong-doe-eon-na-yo?
  Meaning: What ingredients were used?
• Expression: 혹시 숨겨진 [알레르겐]이 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: Hok-si sum-gyeo-jin [allergen]-i i-sseul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Could there be any hidden [allergen]?
• Expression: 양념에는 뭐가 들어갔어요?
  Pronunciation: Yang-nyeom-e-neun mwo-ga deu-reo-ga-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: What went into the seasoning/marinade?
• Expression: 튀김 기름은 어떤 걸 쓰세요?
  Pronunciation: Twi-gim gi-reum-eun eo-tteon geol sseu-se-yo?
  Meaning: What kind of oil do you use for frying? (Checking for cross-contamination)
• Expression: 이 국물 베이스가 뭐예요?
  Pronunciation: I guk-mul be-i-seu-ga mwo-ye-yo?
  Meaning: What is the base of this soup/broth?
• Expression: [알레르겐]이 전혀 안 들어간 메뉴 추천해 주세요.
  Pronunciation: [Allergen]-i jeon-hyeo an deu-reo-gan me-nyu chu-cheon-hae ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please recommend a menu item that contains absolutely no [allergen].
• Expression: 모든 재료 목록을 볼 수 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: Mo-deun jae-ryo mong-no-geul bol su i-sseul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Can I see a list of all the ingredients?
• Expression: 교차 오염 가능성은 없나요?
  Pronunciation: Gyo-cha o-yeom ga-neung-seong-eun eom-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is there any possibility of cross-contamination?
• Expression: 주방에 제 알레르기에 대해 전달해 주시겠어요?
  Pronunciation: Ju-bang-e je al-le-reu-gi-e dae-hae jeon-dal-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Could you please inform the kitchen about my allergy?
• Expression: 소스 따로 주실 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: So-seu tta-ro ju-sil su in-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can you give me the sauce separately/on the side?

Emphasizing Severity

It’s important to convey the seriousness of your allergy if necessary.

• Expression: 저는 [알레르겐] 알레르기가 아주 심해요.
  Pronunciation: Jeo-neun [allergen] al-le-reu-gi-ga a-ju sim-hae-yo.
  Meaning: I have a very severe [allergen] allergy.
• Expression: 조금만 먹어도 위험해요.
  Pronunciation: Jo-geum-man meo-geo-do wi-heom-hae-yo.
  Meaning: It’s dangerous even if I eat just a little bit.
• Expression: 생명을 위협할 수도 있어요.
  Pronunciation: Saeng-myeong-eul wi-hyeop-hal su-do i-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: It can be life-threatening.
• Expression: 아나필락시스 반응이 올 수 있어요.
  Pronunciation: A-na-pil-lak-si-seu ba-neung-i ol su i-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: I could have an anaphylactic reaction.
• Expression: 응급실에 가야 할 수도 있어요.
  Pronunciation: Eung-geup-sil-e ga-ya hal su-do i-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: I might have to go to the emergency room.
• Expression: 정말 조심해야 합니다.
  Pronunciation: Jeong-mal jo-sim-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: I really need to be careful. (Formal)
• Expression: [알레르겐]이 조금이라도 들어가면 안 돼요.
  Pronunciation: [Allergen]-i jo-geum-i-ra-do deu-reo-ga-myeon an dwae-yo.
  Meaning: It cannot contain even a trace amount of [allergen].
• Expression: 제 알레르기를 심각하게 받아들여 주세요.
  Pronunciation: Je al-le-reu-gi-reul sim-ga-ka-ge ba-da-deu-ryeo ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please take my allergy seriously.
• Expression: 혹시 모르니 에피펜을 가지고 다녀요.
  Pronunciation: Hok-si mo-reu-ni e-pi-pen-eul ga-ji-go da-nyeo-yo.
  Meaning: I carry an EpiPen just in case.
• Expression: 이 문제는 정말 중요해요.
  Pronunciation: I mun-je-neun jeong-mal jung-yo-hae-yo.
  Meaning: This issue is really important.
• Expression: 안전을 위해 다시 한번 확인 부탁드립니다.
  Pronunciation: An-jeon-eul wi-hae da-si han-beon hwa-gin bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
  Meaning: For safety, please double-check. (Formal)
• Expression: 만약 실수로 먹게 되면 큰일 나요.
  Pronunciation: Man-yak sil-su-ro meok-ge doe-myeon keun-il na-yo.
  Meaning: If I accidentally eat it, it will be a big problem.

Korean Culture Notes

Understanding cultural context can help navigate allergy discussions.

• Awareness Level: While awareness of common allergies like peanuts or shellfish is growing, knowledge about less common allergies (like celiac/gluten intolerance) might be limited, especially outside major cities or in smaller, traditional restaurants. Be prepared to explain clearly.
• Hidden Ingredients: Korean cuisine often uses complex sauces, pastes (like gochujang, doenjang), and broths where allergens like soy, wheat, fish, or shellfish might be present unexpectedly. Always ask about base ingredients.
• Communication Style: Staff might sometimes seem hesitant to guarantee a dish is completely free of an allergen due to concerns about liability or cross-contamination. Polite persistence and clear explanation of severity are key. Using a translation card can be very helpful.
• Sharing Culture: Korean meals often involve shared side dishes (banchan). Be mindful of cross-contamination if dining with others and ensure your own portion is safe or request separate dishes if necessary.
• “Service” Items: Restaurants sometimes offer complimentary small dishes or drinks (“서비스” – seo-bi-seu). Politely inquire about ingredients before consuming these, as they might not be standard menu items with listed ingredients.

Real Conversation Example

This scenario demonstrates how to explain an allergy at a restaurant.

• Situation: A customer with a severe peanut allergy is ordering food at a Korean restaurant.

• Roles: A: Customer, B: Restaurant Staff

• Expression: A: 안녕하세요. 저는 땅콩 알레르기가 아주 심해요.
  Pronunciation: An-nyeong-ha-se-yo. Jeo-neun ttang-kong al-le-reu-gi-ga a-ju sim-hae-yo.
  Meaning: Hello. I have a very severe peanut allergy.

• Expression: B: 아, 네. 알겠습니다. 조심하셔야겠네요. 어떤 메뉴를 보고 계신가요?
  Pronunciation: A, ne. Al-get-seum-ni-da. Jo-sim-ha-syeo-ya-gen-ne-yo. Eo-tteon me-nyu-reul bo-go gye-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Oh, okay. I understand. You must be careful. Which menu item are you looking at?
• Expression: A: 이 비빔밥을 먹고 싶은데, 혹시 양념이나 재료에 땅콩이나 땅콩 기름이 들어가나요?
  Pronunciation: I bi-bim-ba-beul meok-go si-peun-de, hok-si yang-nyeom-i-na jae-ryo-e ttang-kong-i-na ttang-kong gi-reum-i deu-reo-ga-na-yo?
  Meaning: I’d like to have this Bibimbap, but does the sauce or ingredients contain peanuts or peanut oil by any chance?
• Expression: B: 잠시만요, 주방에 확인해 보겠습니다. (잠시 후) 확인해 보니 비빔밥 자체에는 땅콩이 들어가지 않는데, 저희가 사용하는 참기름에 혹시 땅콩 성분이 미량 섞여 있을 가능성을 배제할 수는 없다고 하네요.
  Pronunciation: Jam-si-man-yo, ju-bang-e hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da. (Jam-si hu) Hwa-gin-hae bo-ni bi-bim-bap ja-che-e-neun ttang-kong-i deu-reo-ga-ji an-neun-de, jeo-hui-ga sa-yong-ha-neun cham-gi-reum-e hok-si ttang-kong seong-bun-i mi-ryang seok-kyeo i-sseul ga-neung-seong-eul bae-je-hal su-neun eop-da-go ha-ne-yo.
  Meaning: One moment, I will check with the kitchen. (After a moment) I checked, and the Bibimbap itself doesn’t contain peanuts, but they say they cannot rule out the possibility that the sesame oil we use might contain trace amounts of peanut components.
• Expression: A: 아, 그렇군요. 저는 아주 소량에도 반응이 와서요. 그럼 땅콩이 전혀 안 들어간 안전한 메뉴가 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: A, geu-reot-gun-yo. Jeo-neun a-ju so-ryang-e-do ba-neung-i wa-seo-yo. Geu-reom ttang-kong-i jeon-hyeo an deu-reo-gan an-jeon-han me-nyu-ga i-sseul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Oh, I see. I react to even very small amounts. Then, is there a safe menu item that contains absolutely no peanuts?
• Expression: B: 네, 맑은 순두부찌개는 땅콩 관련 재료가 전혀 들어가지 않습니다. 그걸로 드릴까요?
  Pronunciation: Ne, mal-geun sun-du-bu-jji-gae-neun ttang-kong gwal-lyeon jae-ryo-ga jeon-hyeo deu-reo-ga-ji an-seum-ni-da. Geu-geol-lo deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Yes, the clear soft tofu stew (Malg-eun Sundubu-jjigae) contains no peanut-related ingredients at all. Shall I get that for you?
• Expression: A: 네, 그걸로 주세요. 감사합니다!
  Pronunciation: Ne, geu-geol-lo ju-se-yo. Gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
  Meaning: Yes, please give me that. Thank you!

Practice Tips

Repetition is key to mastering these phrases! Try role-playing scenarios with a friend or language partner~. Write down your specific allergies and practice saying them using the sentence structures provided. Don’t hesitate to use a translation app or a written card as backup when you’re actually in Korea, especially if your allergy is severe. Being prepared will give you confidence! 화이팅! (Hwaiting! – You can do it!)