Gluten Free in South Korea - Part 1(Updated Sept 2025)
- Joanne Colman-Bown
- Aug 22, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 18
After a few trips around South Korea I am definitely finding my feet when it comes to gluten free. South Korea is not known for being particularly friendly to those that have specific dietary requirements, and eating gluten-free in Korea is no exception because coeliac disease is not widespread in the country, so there is little attention paid to this condition. I have been chased out of restaurants as soon as I have shown my dietary card, but on the other hand, I have been welcomed and had excellent service and recommendations.
Originally I used the research from Kamila Chruszcz to write this blog, but its definitely time to expand it a bit!.
So...Gluten -Free in Seoul!
I am Coeliac, and super-sensitive, so I am slighlty paranoid about food, and when I find something I love, I will go back. Finding gluten-free dishes in Seoul is not impossible, in fact, rice, meat, fish, and vegetables abound in Korea, you just have to make sure that they are not prepared together with other ingredients containing gluten.
In Korean cuisine there are three widely used ingredients to watch out for if you need to eat gluten-free in Korea. They are soy sauce (간장, ganjang), chilli paste (고추장, gochujang) and soybean paste (된장, dwenjang). These 3 ingredients are found a lot in various Korean dishes, and so, just to be on the safe side, if you go to a restaurant in Korea you can always specify that you cannot eat them. A couple of important phrases you could use are:
저는 간장, 고추장, 된장을 못 먹어요.
Jeoneun ganjang, gochujang, dwenjangeul mot meogeoyo.
I cannot eat soy sauce, chili paste or soy paste.
You can also directly say that you have celiac disease:
저는 셀리악 병 가지고 있어요.
Jeoneun selliak byeong gajigo isseoyo.
I suffer from celiac disease (I have celiac disease).
Many Koreans have limited knowledge about gluten. Even if you mention you can’t eat Milkaru 밀가루 (Wheat flour) or Mil 밀 (wheat), they might be surprised and assure you that soy sauce, dishes like stew, or kimchi don’t contain wheat or gluten. While they mostly have only good intentions, this lack of awareness can sometimes be risky, so use the restaurateurs Korean Gluten Free Restaurant Card, is available online for free, which explains in Korean the needs of a person with Coeliac disease.
Even when it comes to cakes that are meant to be made from rice flour, I always ask if they are truly 100% rice flour and don’t contain any wheat. In Korea, eating rice flour instead of wheat is becoming a popular health trend, and awareness of healthy eating is on the rise. However, that doesn’t mean every shop or restaurant offering these dishes fully understands food allergies.
Fortunately, modern translation tools like Papago are incredibly helpful. So even if your Korean isn’t fluent, as long as you know exactly what to ask for, you’ll manage just fine.
Kamila travelled through Korea for 3 weeks testing and trying lots of different eateries, and like me, she is supersensitive Coeliac and any contamination, even the slightest crumb, causes a reaction. So here are our combined suggestions of places worth a visit.
1. Akira Back (in Four Seasons Hotel)
As you can imagine since this is in the Four Seasons, it is expensive, but it does have a full GF Menu. Although first on the list, its my least favourite from this list. You cant fault the service standards in some respects, but they place needs to turn down the AC and the staff need to just give you time for the food on the table, before clearing it away and bringing other dishes. The menu is good and features Korean-inspired specialties alongside classic favourites and the quality of the food is excellent.
2. Sanchon
Absolutely incredible experience! Definitely a must-try if you’re in Seoul. The set menu was so unique and beautifully put together, inspired by monk food from all over the country – such amazing value. The place doubles as an art gallery too, with exhibitions and even live piano music, which makes it feel really special. The owner is fantastic – a true artist – and the whole atmosphere was just delightful.. Now not a dedicated GF restaurant or menu, more a vegan place with the temple food, show them your gf card, they will adapt the menu choices for you.
3. ForFourBread
This little bakery has had rave reviews for its amazing pastries. It's the perfect bakery for vegans but offers great GF options at the same time. You get warm welcomes from smiling staff and delicious, healthy cookies and bread with gluten-free ingredients. I opted for rice bread, and it turned out to be delightfully soft and and very moorish!.
4. Namusae Tea House
Located in a small side alley is a beautiful, traditional tea house, with a beautiful small garden and wooden interior. There is a variety of special teas, porridges, and sweet Rice cakes. And it even has GF Bingsu! (Show your GF card and they are very helpful. definitely worth it although its not a cheap option.)
5. 853 BBQ
Great BBQ place. Show your GF card and staff will help you with you choices. The pork is incredible and I always get bibimbap too. I go here at least once every trip. Its out of the way in a side street and we are always the only foreigners in there. TIP: Take your own GF soy sauce and even gochujang-they don't mind at all.
6. Osegye Hyang
Not far from 853 is Osegye Hyang (오세계향). A lovely little vegan restaurant but with GF options. Show your GF card and staff will help.
7. Interact Cafe
Away from the main streets of Gangnam, but honestly, it’s a total gluten-free heaven - you need to try the cheesecake! And not just for people avoiding gluten – they cater for loads of other food intolerances and dietary needs too. I love that everything is clearly labelled with allergens, so you know exactly what you’re getting. The place has such a nice vibe with plenty of space to sit in, and the drinks are great – their iced caramel macchiato is my go-to. Can’t recommend it enough!
8. UUM
UUUM provides distinct menus for lunch and dinner, with clear labels highlighting options for vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian diets. In addition to preparing their own meals, UUUM bakes their own bread, including vegan and gluten-free varieties and the shop offers a selection of natural wines and organic beverages. The interior is spacious and pristine, featuring bar seating near the kitchen for an engaging dining experience.
9. 237 Pizza
B1 - 237 Itaewon-ro, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
South Korea, 챕터 Hannam-dong, B1 KR 서울특별시 용산구 서울시 용산구 이태원로237)
And my favourite....I do wonder if I should gatekeep this place.. but for anyone Coeliac, or gluten free for any other reason, damm good pizza is hard to find. I am not one that normally likes to move away for the foods of the country I am in, especially when there is so much excellent meat around. But 237 Pizza in Itaewon is a must when there... and I do go back often!. An important note... The owner is Coeliac and only the best gluten free pizza flour blend, imported from Italy is used. This has to be the best pizza outside of Rome I have even had, and that includes those eaten pre-diagnosis at 44 years of age!
If you want more tips, give us a shout. I am steadily compiling a list of tried and tested places in South Korea. With dietary needs, it can be difficult to know where to go and your options. Tailor-Made Korean Journeys open up South Korea, a country where timeless traditions meet modern sophistication. Whether it’s exclusive cultural experiences, fine dining, or curated tours around festivals and landmarks, we’ll design a holiday that reflects your style. Let us craft a seamless itinerary with all the details taken care of, so you can simply relax and enjoy.
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💬 Or WhatsApp us directly on +44 7432 898359 to begin creating your bespoke South Korea holiday.
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