Show the card before ordering and ask staff to check sauces, broth, garnish, shared oil, and cooking surfaces. Carry prescribed medicine and an emergency plan; a translation card cannot guarantee an allergen-free meal.
Use precise Korean for the allergy message
Use VISITKOREA 1330 Korea Travel Helpline for dependable Korean terminology, then have the final allergy message checked by a fluent speaker or medical professional when the risk is serious. A card helps communication but cannot certify a kitchen.
Name the allergen, severity, and cross-contact risk
Write the exact allergen, reaction severity, cross-contact concern, emergency medicine, and the foods, broths, sauces, garnishes, or shared equipment that may contain it.
- Restaurant and branch
- Korean name and address
- Opening, break, and last-order time
- Allergy or ordering need
Show the card before food is prepared
- Use plain Korean that states the allergen and that even a small amount or shared equipment may be unsafe when applicable.
- Keep the card short enough for staff to read before ordering and include the English allergen for confirmation.
- Show it before food is prepared and ask about broth, sauce, seasoning, garnish, oil, grill, fryer, and utensils.
- Treat uncertainty, rushed communication, or an uncheckable sauce as a reason to choose another dish or restaurant.
- Carry prescribed emergency medicine and know how to call 119; the card is not an emergency plan.
The card starts a conversation; it does not certify safety
A useful allergy card starts a specific conversation and makes refusal easy when the kitchen cannot confirm ingredients or cross-contact. It is not proof that the meal is safe.
| Trip detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Exact allergen | Use specific Korean wording rather than a broad food preference |
| Cross-contact | Mention shared oil, grills, utensils, and preparation surfaces when relevant |
| Kitchen confirmation | Staff must be able to check the actual dish and ingredients |
| Emergency plan | Carry prescribed medicine and know how to call 119 |
A menu, opening time, or allergy note used for korean allergy card can differ by branch and service channel; confirm it with the exact restaurant before ordering.
If staff cannot confirm the ingredients
Do not rely on a nod or an automated translation when the consequence could be severe; choose a simpler or better-documented option.
Use emergency services immediately for a serious reaction and follow the traveler’s prescribed medical plan.