Top Rated Allergy-Friendly South Korea Picks

From the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace to the volcanic Jeju Island, traveling to South Korea with food allergies and celiac is possible. Our Top-Rated South Korea Restaurant Guide features safe places to eat in Gwangju, Jeju Island, Seoul, and Suwon. Discover restaurants with nut-free bubble tea, dairy-free pastries, a 100% gluten and dairy-free cafe with donuts, oat milk matcha lattes, and more!

Gwangju | Jeju Island | Seoul | Suwon

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Gwangju

Meat Restaurant Wang Geon (고깃집왕건)

Meat Restaurant Wang Geon (고깃집왕건)

Location: Gwangju-si, Gwangju

“I loved eating Korean bbq during my trip, and this was probably my favorite place! We were able to grill the meat right in front of us, and asked for an unseasoned cut for me. They also provided me with wraps and side dishes that were allergy safe. Once the meat was cooked, I was able to use my own dish of smoked salt to sprinkle on top! It was a delicious meal out with my family!”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Cafe Chujari (카페 추자리)

Cafe Chujari (카페 추자리)

Location: Gwangju-si, Gwangju

“This is a cafe in my grandma’s neighborhood where I was staying. Such a hidden gem and glad we found it! They have such a diverse menu here as well. I got a cube Dutch vanilla latte. The ice cubes are made of coffee and not water so when they melt, your coffee doesn’t taste watered down! So innovative, and I had a very good experience here.”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Jeju Island

Branksome Hall Asia

Branksome Hall Asia

Location: Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island

“While eating at BHA the staff made a separate meal for me ensuring I was able to eat gluten-free food!”

@ajd, who manages celiac

Seoul

MIXUE

MIXUE

Location: Dongjak-gu, Seoul

“I got a brown sugar bubble tea here! This is one of my favorite drinks to order wherever I go, so I was glad to find a boba tea place in South Korea! The specific location I went to was in Hongdae Street. Super convenient, lots of menu options, and great for a summer treat!”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Coffee DZ

Coffee DZ

Location: Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

“I got a green tea brown sugar boba drink from here, and it was so good! One of my favorite green tea flavored drinks I got in Korea. The drink was huge and the pricing was so affordable! We confirmed with the owner here regarding my food allergies, and she was super friendly and helpful in explaining what went in the drink. Absolutely loved this little cafe.”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Sarabeth's

Sarabeth’s

Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul

“This restaurant was located inside of a department store, and was perfect to grab a bite before a day of shopping! They are known for their brunch menu. I ended up getting a simple chopped salad and a steak cut with mushrooms and onions. They were able to simplify my dish to avoid allergens, and were also cautious with cross contamination. I also had a berry sparkling ade that perfectly topped off my dish!”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

벽제갈비 더 청담

Byeokje Galbi (벽제갈비 더 청담)

Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul

“Best advice: get an allergy card that explains your allergy in Korean and the dangers of consumption and show this to every person that comes to your table. I got mine from Equal Eats.

The food in this restaurant was incredible, it was very $$$ but worth it for the meat alone. We got the diamond cut beef and the sirloin steak that we had along with a range of side dishes, all nut-free as confirmed by the cook. Again, I would recommend staying away from marinated meat, but the beef alone was amazing.”

@molwes, who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

텐퍼센트커피 양재역점

Ten Percent Coffee (텐퍼센트커피 양재역점)

Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul

“This is another popular coffee chain in Korea! I got an orange ade, and it was so good! The orange flavor was perfect and there was so much fruit purée in the drink, absolutely loved it!”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Another Side

Another Side

Location: Gangseo-gu, Seoul

“This was such a beautiful cafe! The interior is decorated to look like a majestic forest, with huge tree pillars, a waterfall, and plant displays everywhere. The vibes are truly immaculate and the drinks are so amazing! I got a sparkling blackberry ade with real fresh fruit that was really delicious and so well crafted. There’s an outdoor seating section as well with a mini fountain and a veranda.”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

LEEDORIM Coffee & Vegan Bakery Gyeongbokgung Cafe

LEEDORIM Coffee & Vegan Bakery Gyeongbokgung Cafe

Location: Jongno-gu, Seoul

“My no. 1 rec in Seoul!

They had so many vegan pastries, clearly marked, and separate from the normal pastries so it was easy to tell what is dairy-free.

The pastries and coffee were delish! The space was insane. There’s a literal rock with running water in the middle.

Need to go if you’re in Seoul!”

@floatingr0ck, who manages milk allergy

Cafe Layered Bukchon

Cafe Layered Bukchon

Location: Jongno-gu, Seoul

“We stopped by this cafe for a drink after a hot day of exploring the popular Bukchon Hanok Village. I got a vanilla latte. The coffee they use here was particularly good and strong. I enjoyed the taste of my latte!”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Cafe Onion Anguk

Cafe Onion Anguk

Location: Jongno-gu, Seoul

“Cafe Onion was really close to the Gyeongbokgung Palace and is a super famous cafe chain across Korea. There was a short wait but it was definitely it really worth it! There is a lot of seating options and the cafe is decorated very well to give off a serene nature vibe. I got their best seller drink, a berry ade, and it was really good! The drink was so beautiful, and they have a wide variety of fresh pastries as well.”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Homestead Coffee

Homestead Coffee

Location: Jongno-gu, Seoul

“Ordered a strawberry milk here that was super rich and delicious! This is a classic drink made with strawberry purée and milk. We stopped by because it was right next to a theater we were going to for a show. Glad we did because it was a perfect sweet afternoon treat! Safe and yummy cafes for the win!”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Insadong Geujip

Insadong Geujip

Location: Jongno-gu, Seoul

“The staff were super helpful at this Korean fusion restaurant! It is located in the famous neighborhood of Insadong and is housed in a Korean traditional house! They are known for their Geujip on Rice. I got a rice bowl with avocados, corn, red onions, and various chopped greens. It was a refreshing and healthy meal, and I would love to try some more items off of their menu if I were to go again!”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins

Location: Jung-gu, Seoul

“Stopped by here to grab a drink before our flight back from Incheon Airport! Was astounded to see their drinks menu, there were so many amazing options! I got my mom and I dolce lattes from here and it was the perfect morning pick me up. They use condensed milk in these drinks, and it made it taste so delicious.”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Cats' Playground

Cats’ Playground

Location: Jung-gu, Seoul

“This is a cat cafe located in one of the most popular neighborhoods in Korea, Myeongdong! Animal cafes are super popular in Korea, and this one is super popular and was a blast. You have to pay an admission fee of around 10 usd and you get a free drink and can stay as long as you want to play with dozens of cats. I ordered a green tea latte, but for those who are allergic to dairy they have tons of other options; my friend for example ordered a strawberry black tea. The menu also offers various sodas, juices, and has a soy milk substitute.”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store

Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store

Location: Jung-gu, Seoul

“Best tip: ensure you have an allergy card in Korean that explains your allergies and the dangers of consumption and show this to every person who comes to your table—I got mine from Equal Eats.

I had the steamed mandu and bibimguksu which were both nut-free and confirmed this with two servers. The meal was incredible and the food was very cheap, would recommend.”

@molwes, who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

Sulbing Korean Dessert Cafe

Sulbing Korean Dessert Cafe

Location: Jung-gu, Seoul

“I was so excited that I got to try Korean bingsu, a popular shaved iced dessert, in this cafe! They had an extensive menu with all different flavors. My family ordered the honeydew melon shaved ice, and the staff made me a classic shaved ice dessert to prevent any contamination of allergens. Mine was made with shaved ice, a sweet red bean paste, and some sweet heavy sweet cream to pour on top! It was absolutely delicious, and I’m glad the staff were able to provide for me here!”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Wangbijib Myeongdong Main store

Wangbijib Myeongdong Main store

Location: Jung-gu, Seoul

“Best tip: ensure you have an allergy card in Korean that explains your allergies and the dangers of consumption and show this to every person who comes to your table—I got mine from Equal Eats.

I had the plain pork cutlet that one of the servers confirmed was nut-free—I would recommend staying away from the marinated meat.

Most of the side dishes were fine as confirmed by one of the servers, but one of the dishes contained peanuts (it looked like a yellow thick sauce), so be sure to ask the server which side dishes contain nuts. The bbq was delicious, and the servers were very helpful.”

@molwes, who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

Analog Garden

Analog Garden

Location: Mapo-gu, Seoul

“Menu was clearly labeled and staff was helpful to modify the dishes to make the toast dairy-free!

Solid meal!”

@floatingr0ck, who manages milk allergy

Cheong Su Dong

Cheong Su Dong

Location: Mapo-gu, Seoul

“This was my top favorite cafe throughout the whole trip! The interior and exterior design was so gorgeous. You enter the cafe through a stone path layer down above water, and there are mini waterfalls and water/plant arrangements throughout the cafe. It’s in a super fun cultural neighborhood called Insadong. I ordered a tangerine ade and it was so delicious! The drink looked like a sunset; it was so pretty I didn’t want to mix it! The flavors in this drink were so intense, fruity, and perfectly sweet and tart. Absolutely recommend this cafe.”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Koriko Cafe

Koriko Cafe

Location: Mapo-gu, Seoul

“A super famous Studio Ghibli cafe! Themed like Kiki’s Delivery Service, there’s many things around the cafe that make you feel like you’re in the movie. On the first floor, there’s also a gift shop where you can purchase various Studio Ghibli movies. I ordered a strawberry cotton candy latte. Definitely one of the most extravagant drinks I’ve had, with an ombré cloud of cotton candy and a little Kiki paper cutout riding it! Staff were very kind when I asked to confirm my drink was safe of my allergens.”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Paik's Coffee

Paik’s Coffee

Location: Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

“This is another popular chain coffee shop in Korea that sells huge drinks for a great price! The menu was so diverse and had so many delicious things that I had trouble choosing what to order. I chose a banana milk coffee latte and my cousin ordered a peach iced tea with espresso! For my drink, they add banana milk to espresso shots, and it was such a great combo! Banana milk is really popular in Korea, and I really enjoyed this drink.”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Veganique

Veganique

Location: Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

“Not the most aesthetic space compared to others in Seoul, but some of the best pastries I’ve ever eaten. I think the peanut butter brownie is the best dessert I’ve ever had.

100% vegan so I knew everything was dairy-free!”

@floatingr0ck, who manages milk allergy

Super Matcha

Super Matcha

Location: Seongdong-gu, Seoul

“Super Matcha is Korea was one of the best matcha drinks I’ve ever had! I got an oat milk matcha latte. Unlike the US, oat milk is not as easy to find in cafes and coffee shops, so I was super excited they had this drink on their menu! They hand whisk the matcha powder in front of you for every order, and it was such a cool experience. Would definitely recommend!”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Veganature

Veganature

Location: Songpa-gu, Seoul

“100% vegan and gluten-free cafe

Loved to donuts. They’re made with rice flour, so it’s giving mochinut!”

@floatingr0ck, who manages milk allergy

Cafe Knotted Jamsil

Cafe Knotted Jamsil

Location: Songpa-gu, Seoul

“Located inside of Lotte Department Store in Jamsil is this very famous donut and cafe chain called Knotted! The cafe at this branch was especially huge and almost like an exhibit, which several different photo ops, merch stands, and freebies like stickers. I got a vanilla latte here that was super sweet and delicious. I would be cautious because they do serve a lot of desserts that have wheat in them, so make sure to note your allergy when you order!”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Nuldam Space – Haebangchon branch

Location: Yongsan-gu, Seoul

“100% vegan cafe so I knew there was no dairy on site!

I loved the black sesame croissant & almond cream latte.

You can also write a letter to the future (yourself or another person) which is such a fun solo activity!”

@floatingr0ck, who manages milk allergy

Plant Cafe Seoul (Itaewon)

Plant Cafe Seoul (Itaewon)

Location: Yongsan-gu, Seoul

“Great gluten-free and vegan cafe in Seoul! I had a salad and tried the vanilla/raspberry cake.”

@sydney214, who manages celiac

더귀여워-Dog Cafe

더귀여워-Dog Cafe

Location: 서울, Seoul

“This is a popular dog cafe in Hongdae! Korea is known for their various animal cafes. Here, you get to play with so many different dogs and the entrance fee is to buy a drink. I got a caramel macchiato that was super sweet and had a great coffee taste to it. It was such a fun experience and very well managed here! Super sanitary as they provide you indoor slippers to wear and require you to wash and sanitize your hands before playing with the dogs.”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Melting Orb

Melting Orb

Location: 서울, Seoul

“Found this cafe online because it was so highly rated, and it didn’t disappoint! It’s a three floor cafe with the pastries and ordering station on the first floor and different themed seating on the second and third. The pastries here were really cute, and they’re known for their bunny cakes. I ordered a caramel latte, and it was really good!”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

Suwon

Booter (부터)

Booter (부터)

Location: Suwon, Suwon

“I love Cafe Booter, and the grapefruit ade I got here! Topped with fresh grapefruit and a basil leaf, it was visually aesthetic too. Fruit sparkling ades we’re one of my favorite safe drinks in Korea, and this was no exception! Perfect level of sweet and tart. Such a refreshing beverage!”

@audreycha, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, shellfish, grain, legume, and seed allergies

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