Explain what you can eat
A clear ingredient list helps more than a broad label.
Say the restriction, then name ingredients
Vegetarian, vegan and religious food requirements are not interchangeable. Explain your own needs in practical terms: meat, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy or another ingredient. Show a short Korean list before ordering, rather than trying to clarify it after the plate arrives.
Ask beyond the topping
A vegetable dish can still use meat or fish stock. Ask about broth, sauces and fermented seafood seasoning. If a prepared base contains something you avoid, simply removing the visible ingredient may not help. Confirm whether the kitchen can prepare a suitable alternative.
Check a certification that matters to you
If you require halal certification, ask to see the relevant information for that restaurant and food. A welcoming description or an English menu does not establish the preparation standards you need. Decide from the actual answer and the evidence available, not from the neighbourhood alone.
Treat allergies as a separate conversation
Name the allergen explicitly and ask about shared equipment as well as ingredients. A dietary preference phrase does not communicate an allergy by itself. If staff cannot confirm the preparation, choose another place or dish. Keep any personal emergency instructions from your clinician with you; this book cannot replace them.