Halal Food in South Korea: East Asia Guide

Halal food in South Korea has improved significantly for Muslim travelers. Seoul, especially Itaewon and Myeongdong, offers growing halal options. Korea Tourism actively promotes Muslim-friendly dining. Learn more about halal food and halal certification standards.

How Accessible Is Halal Food?

Seoul (Itaewon): Good—mosque area with many halal restaurants
Seoul (Myeongdong): Moderate—tourist area options
Busan: Limited but growing
Jeju Island: Limited

Seoul: Best Halal Areas

Itaewon

Seoul Central Mosque (Korea’s main mosque)
Multiple halal restaurants within walking distance
Halal Korean BBQ options
Middle Eastern, Pakistani, Turkish cuisine

Myeongdong

Tourist-focused halal eateries
Some certified halal Korean restaurants
Muslim-friendly cafes

Hongdae

Some halal options for students/tourists
Growing Muslim-friendly scene

Halal Korean Dishes

Halal samgyeopsal: Korean BBQ with halal meat
Halal bulgogi: Marinated beef
Bibimbap: Can be vegetarian
Japchae: Glass noodles (verify ingredients)
Tteokbokki: Rice cakes (check broth)

Jeju Island

Limited halal restaurants
Improving for Southeast Asian tourists
Fresh seafood abundant
Some hotels accommodate halal requests

Practical Tips

Itaewon first: Best halal concentration
Korea Tourism app: Halal restaurant listings
Halal Korea app: Community recommendations
Seafood safe: Abundant fresh options
Convenience stores: Some halal ramyeon available
Muslim-friendly certification: Look for KMF logo

Frequently Asked Questions

Is halal food available in South Korea?

Halal food is increasingly available in South Korea, especially in Seoul. Itaewon has the Seoul Central Mosque surrounded by halal restaurants. Myeongdong has Muslim-friendly options for tourists. Korea Tourism Organization promotes halal dining for Muslim visitors.

Where can I find halal Korean BBQ?

Halal Korean BBQ restaurants exist in Itaewon near Seoul Central Mosque. Some restaurants use certified halal meat for samgyeopsal and bulgogi. Apps like Halal Korea and Muslim Friendly Korea help locate halal eateries.

Is Jeju Island halal-friendly?

Jeju Island has limited halal options but improving. Some hotels and restaurants cater to Muslim tourists from Southeast Asia. Fresh seafood is abundant. Contact Jeju Tourism for current halal restaurant listings.