Textbook저는 땅콩 알레르기가 있습니다jeo-neun ttang-kong al-re-reu-gi-ga it-seup-ni-daI have a peanut allergy
Real저 땅콩 알레르기 있어요. 이거 땅콩 들어가요?jeo ttang-kong al-re-reu-gi it-eo-yo. i-geo ttang-kong deul-eo-ga-yo?I have a peanut allergy. Does this have peanuts?🏷️ Any casual setting
For allergies, be direct and clear — this isn't the time for soft Korean. 알레르기 is universally understood. Always follow with 이거 ○○ 들어가요? (does this have ○○?). Staff will check for you.
Allergy & dietary vocabulary
Explaining dietary needs
저 채식주의자예요I'm vegetarian
이거 고기 들어가요?Does this have meat?
고기 빼고 할 수 있어요?Can you make it without meat?
이거 대신 다른 거로 할 수 있어요?Can I substitute this with something else?
매운 것 잘 못 먹어요I can't handle spicy food well
Korea is becoming more accommodating but vegetarian/vegan options are still limited outside Seoul. Many seemingly meat-free dishes have 육수 (meat broth) or 젓갈 (fermented seafood). Always ask: 육수가 뭐예요? (what's the broth?).
Korean spice level warning: 안 맵다 (not spicy) in Korean standards is still spicy to most foreigners. '보통' (regular) spice at a 떡볶이 shop can melt your face. If you can't handle spice: 하나도 안 맵게 해주세요 (make it not spicy AT ALL). They'll understand.
Quick Quiz