Annyeonghaseyo, Safarfriendly Friends! South Korea is renowned for its K-pop, Korean dramas, and the beauty of its modern cities. But did you know that Korea also offers a halal culinary paradise ready to delight the taste buds of Muslim travelers? Although the majority of Korea’s population is non-Muslim, the country continues to develop in providing Muslim-friendly facilities, including halal food options. For Safarfriendly Friends who want to explore Korea without worrying about food, let’s check out the recommended halal culinary in South Korea that you must try!
1. Itaewon: The Center of Halal Cuisine in Seoul
Image source medcom.id
If you’re in Seoul, don’t forget to visit Itaewon. This area is known as a haven for halal food. Many restaurants owned by the Muslim community serve Middle Eastern, Indian, and even Korean dishes that have been adapted to halal standards.
Some places you can visit include:
- EID Halal Korean Food: This restaurant is run by a Korean Muslim family and serves Korean specialties like bulgogi, samgyetang, and halal kimchi.
- Makan Halal Restaurant: This place offers Korean dishes such as bibimbap and dakgalbi in halal versions. The taste is very authentic!
Additionally, around the Seoul Central Mosque, there are many halal restaurants you can explore while enjoying the multicultural atmosphere there.
2. Halal Restaurants in Busan: Sea, Markets, and Delicious Food
Image source tripadvisor.com
Busan, a port city famous for its beautiful beaches, also has several enticing halal restaurants. You can find delicious food while enjoying the natural charm of southern South Korea.
Recommended halal culinary spots in Busan:
- Shabana Indian Restaurant: Indian cuisine with distinctive spices and flavors that suit Indonesian tastes. Halal certified, so it’s safe.
- Hello India Al-Waha: A restaurant that serves a combination of Indian and Middle Eastern menus. The place is comfortable and very close to Haeundae Beach.
If you visit traditional markets in Busan, such as Gukje Market or Jagalchi Market, be sure to inquire about the ingredients of the food first. Some seafood can be consumed as long as it doesn’t contain alcohol or other non-halal ingredients.
3. Halal Street Food: Is It Possible?
Image source: cookpad.com
You might be wondering, can Korean street food be consumed by Muslims? The answer is: yes, but with some notes!
Some street foods you can look for:
- Hotteok (sweet pancake) – Usually filled with sugar, nuts, and cinnamon.
- Odeng (fish cake) – Be cautious, as most use non-halal broth. But in Muslim-friendly areas, there are already halal versions available!
- Halal Tteokbokki – Halal versions can now be found in several areas like Itaewon or Gangnam. Look for vendors who display halal labels or ask directly about the ingredients.
Important tip: Use apps like Halal Navi or Muslim Pro to check if certain foods are safe to consume.
4. Shopping for Halal Snacks in Korea
Image source wikipedia.org
For Safarfriendly Friends who love to snack, Korea also has many halal snack options you can take home. Some Korean snacks that usually fall into the halal category include:
- Halal version of Choco Pie – Check the label, okay!
- Halal Ramyun – Now widely available, such as the halal version of Nongshim or Indonesian-made ramyun sold at K-Mart.
For added safety, shop at Halal Mart or foreign food stores in Seoul and Busan that provide products with halal certification.
5. Mosques and Muslim Facilities Around Halal Culinary Spotsl
Image source iqna.ir
You can easily find mosques or prayer rooms around halal restaurant locations, especially in Seoul and Busan. Some mosques you can visit:
- Seoul Central Mosque (Itaewon) – Strategic location, near halal restaurants.
- Busan Al-Fatah Mosque – Close to the Muslim community center in Busan.
This is very important for those who want to pray on time during the trip.
Now, Safarfriendly Friends, there’s no reason to hesitate in exploring South Korea. With the growing number of halal culinary options, worship facilities, and a continuously growing Muslim community, Korea is an increasingly comfortable dream destination for Muslim travelers.
Let’s prepare your halal-friendly itinerary and don’t forget to note the halal culinary in South Korea. Explore Korea, stay halal, stay happy!
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