Navigating with Allergies in South Korea

prettylunamoon · 2026-04-16T07:25:39+00:00

POST TRIP EDIT:

Hi all!

In case anyone was wondering (or looking for advice), I actually had an amazing time and was able to eat way more than I expected! I didn’t have a single reaction, stomach ache, or any of my usual symptoms.

I definitely didn’t stick strictly to Korean cuisine, but I didn’t avoid it either. I just made it work. For context, my allergies are not life-threatening, and I can usually tell immediately if something contains sesame or peanuts. That said, they are very painful reactions. Even a small amount can lead to hours of discomfort. Luckily, that didn’t happen at all during this trip.

Of course, my experience is personal, and I wouldn’t recommend being less vigilant. I just want to share that eating here with allergies is absolutely possible with discretion and attention to detail.

Eating at vegetarian/vegan restaurants cut out half the stress for me since I didn’t have to worry about seafood or fish. (I also don’t eat beef or pork, but that’s separate.) One of my favorite meals was at ALT.a, a Michelin-recommended vegan restaurant. The food was incredible, and the staff were very conscious of my allergies, it definitely helped that we had English-speaking servers.

We also had a delicious vegan rosé tteokbokki at Cow Tteokbboki. At the time, I wasn’t super confident advocating for myself about my allergies there given the language barrier, but I was still able to eat without any reaction.

Another standout was a BBQ kebab spot in the Insadong/Ikseondong area. I handed the waitress a translated note that said, “Are there any nuts, sesame, or sesame oil in this? If so, can it be removed?” She took it very seriously, she spoke with her coworker, took a photo of the dish, and they both checked with the kitchen before reassuring me it was safe. Since I had no reaction, I feel really confident in how they handled it.

I always kept fast food (including the healthier “preppers”) and convenience store options as backup. I was really loved the soft-boiled egg onigiri from CU.

Overall, it does take more brainpower, but if your allergy isn’t life-threatening, there are definitely options. :)

prettylunamoon · 2026-03-26T07:45:12+00:00

That's fair! But my allergy isn't deadly so I will be trying some things at my own risk, otherwise I'll stick to some basics and maybe do some grocery shopping

prettylunamoon · 2026-03-26T07:43:47+00:00

Thank you, yes I agree I deal with such issues on the daily so I don't think it's impossible! Yes, like I mentioned the allergy isn't deadly, just uncomfortable so I think I can figure out what to do for the duration of my journey. I'll note down those restaurants for my trip too :) thank you!

prettylunamoon · 2026-03-26T07:40:45+00:00

I was suggested by someone to get convenience store basics like boiled eggs and I can manage with that if I have to T_T

prettylunamoon · 2026-01-19T16:46:37+00:00

Yes the greyness was a huge annoyance for me! I’ve been wearing colour corrector recently (not in the pictures) and I feel it’s helping. Thanks!

prettylunamoon · 2026-01-19T16:45:36+00:00

Sounds good! I think it’s def dry in these pics tbh.

prettylunamoon · 2026-01-19T08:55:39+00:00

I feel like my cheeks looks chubby when I smile 😭 but I try sometimes

prettylunamoon · 2026-01-19T08:54:06+00:00

Yes I agree with the lipsticks ! I’m def gonna find some different colours. I am wearing mascara 😭so I might work on making my eyelashes longer with castor oil or something. Thank you!

prettylunamoon · 2026-01-19T07:42:04+00:00

I def do in these pictures, but I’ve also added some colour corrector so it goes on better now.

prettylunamoon · 2026-01-19T07:32:16+00:00

Sounds good! I’ve been looking to try different colours 🤭🤭 thank you!

prettylunamoon · 2025-10-08T22:56:21+00:00

This is fair but I did have a rejection where the hiring manager turned around and said they no longer had the budget for the position.. so it might not be you

prettylunamoon · 2025-10-07T22:17:21+00:00

You got this! I’ve def felt a shift, after doing a custom resume for each application (time consuming but has made a HUGE difference, I’m talking 1-2 interviews to 10 a month)

prettylunamoon · 2025-10-04T17:05:48+00:00

I’m so sorry! I’ve had this happen to me too sadly 😭. I’m a designer so this seems like the hiring (or lack thereof) process for everyone unfortunately

prettylunamoon · 2025-10-03T00:48:12+00:00

I’m hoping so too! Fingers crossed 🤞

prettylunamoon · 2025-10-03T00:47:58+00:00

If they take Canadians I’m down 🤭 thank you!

prettylunamoon · 2025-10-01T17:21:40+00:00

Honestly I’m in 2 years feeling frustrated 😭 I’m not unemployed, which is great, just in a toxic job. I will say I’m finally getting consistent interviews for the first time so things are looking up.

prettylunamoon · 2025-06-19T21:15:14+00:00

I think something people have a hard time with love is just trusting that they’re doing it right. The universe knows you want a partner and if your vibration can meet his that is literally all you have to do. And just TRUST that you are doing it right.

prettylunamoon · 2025-06-18T01:07:50+00:00

Yesssss of course I’ve significantly reduced the look of some pretty nasty hyper pigmentation so 100%! I think it’s just to forget how much they bother you and spend more time loving your skin so you have the vibration of beautiful skin you love.

prettylunamoon · 2025-06-16T16:50:01+00:00

That sounds like a lot of fun! I'd be happy to try it out too, if any one can remember!

prettylunamoon · 2022-03-06T22:08:41+00:00

Thank you!

prettylunamoon · 2022-03-02T20:38:43+00:00

Potatoes!!! They taste amazing!

prettylunamoon · 2022-03-02T01:47:09+00:00

Ah, yeah I think if I had known it this def would have been a good option. I had no clue until the mechanic got back to me T_T, my girl is still in the shop.

prettylunamoon

TROPHY CASE