Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, offers moderate Muslim-friendly facilities. While not as developed as Seoul, the beautiful coastal city has growing halal infrastructure and is becoming more accommodating to Muslim travelers seeking beach destinations in Korea. See our halal food guides for dining options. Explore halal food in Busan for more information. Explore Muslim travelers for more information.

Muslim-Friendly Score: 5/10

Busan provides basic options:

  • 5+ mosques in Busan area
  • 50+ halal restaurants
  • Growing awareness: Tourism push
  • Seafood advantage: Generally halal-friendly
  • Plan ahead: More limited than Seoul

Best Muslim-Friendly Areas

Texas Street (Choryang)

Busan’s international area:

  • Near Busan Station
  • International community
  • Some halal restaurants
  • Cultural diversity

Haeundae

Beach area:

  • Limited but growing halal
  • Tourist-focused: Some awareness
  • Seafood options: Fresh and abundant

Seomyeon

City center:

  • Some halal options
  • Shopping district
  • Growing scene

Mosques in Busan

Busan Al-Fatah Mosque

Main mosque:

  • Located in Sujeong-dong
  • Friday prayers: Community gathers
  • Smaller than Seoul: But welcoming

Other Prayer Spaces

  • University prayer rooms: Some campuses
  • Smaller musallas: Check locally
  • Hotel requests: Some accommodate

Halal Food Guide

Seafood

Best option in Busan:

  • Jagalchi Market: Famous fish market
  • Grilled fish: Generally safe
  • Sashimi: Fresh and halal-friendly
  • Ask about preparation: Avoid alcohol marinades

Halal Restaurants

Limited but available:

  • Indian/Pakistani: Near Texas Street
  • Turkish: Some kebab shops
  • Halal Korean: Very limited

Where to Eat

  • Texas Street area: Most options
  • Near Busan Station: International variety
  • Haeundae: Limited, mainly seafood

Near Tourist Attractions

Haeundae Beach

  • Limited halal nearby
  • Seafood restaurants available
  • Pack snacks for beach day

Jagalchi Fish Market

  • Seafood is halal-friendly
  • Ask for simple grilling preparation
  • Avoid alcohol-based sauces

Gamcheon Culture Village

  • Very limited options in village
  • Eat before or after visit
  • Colorful photo opportunities

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

  • No halal at temple
  • Pack food for visit
  • Beautiful coastal temple

Gwangalli Beach

  • Some restaurants nearby
  • Limited halal
  • Seafood your best bet

Practical Tips

  1. Seoul comparison: Less developed than capital
  2. Seafood focus: Your best option
  3. Texas Street: International area with options
  4. Pack snacks: For attraction visits
  5. KTX from Seoul: 2.5 hours, day trip possible
  6. Beach planning: Bring food
  7. Mosque contact: Call ahead for prayer times
  8. Halal apps: Use HalalTrip
  9. Learn phrases: Basic Korean helps
  10. Be flexible: Limited options require adaptability

Day Trips from Busan

Gyeongju

  • Ancient capital, limited halal
  • Pack food for day
  • Beautiful UNESCO sites

Ulsan

  • Industrial city
  • Very limited halal
  • Pack food

Getting Halal Food

Import Shops

  • Texas Street area: Some halal products
  • Online ordering: Korean websites ship
  • Seoul trip: Stock up if visiting

Self-Catering

  • Apartment stays: Cook own meals
  • Markets: Fresh vegetables, seafood
  • Rice and basics: Widely available