Dietary Card FAQ
7 frequently asked questions · For reference only.
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Will Korean restaurant staff understand this card?
Yes, in most cases. The card is written in polite formal Korean (존댓말), appropriate for addressing restaurant staff. While language barriers can still occur, showing a written card in Korean is far more reliable than trying to explain verbally. For best results, point to the card and say "이거 확인해 주세요" (Please check this).
Does this card guarantee no cross-contamination?
No. This card is a reference tool to communicate dietary restrictions. For severe allergies with anaphylaxis risk, showing the card alone is not sufficient. Always call ahead to the restaurant, carry antihistamines or an epinephrine auto-injector (epipen), and verbally reconfirm before eating. The card includes a cross-contamination disclaimer to make this clear to staff.
How do I find halal-certified restaurants in Korea?
The Korea Muslim Federation (KMF) maintains an official list of halal-certified restaurants, concentrated mainly in Seoul's Itaewon neighborhood and university areas. The HalalTrip and Zabihah apps also list Korea options. Even at restaurants claiming to be halal, always check for KMF certification to be certain.
I am vegan. Is Korean food really that difficult to navigate?
Traditional Korean cooking is challenging for vegans because anchovy broth, fermented shrimp, and fish sauce are embedded in most dishes. However, temple food (사찰음식) restaurants following Buddhist vegetarian principles are excellent for vegans. Use the HappyCow app to find vegan-friendly restaurants in Korea. This card can also help you navigate mainstream restaurants more safely.
How do I print the card?
After generating your card, click the "Print / Save" button to open the browser print dialog. On smartphones, taking a screenshot is the easiest approach. Printing at A6 or A5 size creates a card that fits conveniently in your wallet.
Does sharing the link save my selections?
Yes. The "Share link" button encodes all your current selections into the URL's ?s= parameter. Share this link with travel companions or bookmark it to restore the same settings later. No data is sent to any server — all processing happens in your browser only.
Can I make an English-only card?
Yes. Select "English only" in the card language mode to generate an English-only card. The default is Korean-first (Korean + English), which is most effective for Korean restaurant staff. An English-only card is useful for explaining your restrictions to a travel guide or helper.