Seoul has become one of Asia’s emerging Muslim-friendly destinations. South Korea’s capital is actively developing halal infrastructure to welcome the growing number of Muslim tourists, with Itaewon serving as the main hub for halal dining and Islamic facilities. Learn more in our halal food guides. Explore halal food in Seoul for more information. Explore Muslim travelers for more information.
Muslim-Friendly Score: 7/10
Seoul offers good facilities:
- 20+ mosques in Seoul area
- 300+ halal restaurants
- Korea Tourism Organization actively promotes
- Itaewon: Main Muslim-friendly hub
- Halal Korean food increasingly available
Best Muslim-Friendly Areas
Itaewon
Seoul’s Muslim heartland:
- Seoul Central Mosque: Landmark location
- Halal restaurant row: Around the mosque
- Muslim Street: Dedicated halal shops
- International community: Diverse residents
Hongdae
University area:
- Some halal options emerging
- Youth-oriented: Trendy cafés
- Growing scene: New restaurants opening
Myeongdong
Shopping district:
- Limited halal but some options
- Halal street food available
- Tourist-friendly: Signs in multiple languages
Dongdaemun
Fashion and shopping:
- Some halal options near markets
- Late night: Markets open late
- Growing awareness
Seoul Central Mosque
Korea’s main mosque:
- Built 1976: First purpose-built mosque
- Located in Itaewon: Central location
- Friday prayers: Very well-attended
- Halal shops nearby: Butchers and restaurants
- Visitors welcome: Outside prayer times
Visiting Tips
- Remove shoes: Required inside
- Modest dress: Expected
- Photo restrictions: Inside prayer hall
- Great views: Overlooking Itaewon
Halal Food Guide
Halal Korean Food
The exciting option:
- Halal Korean BBQ: Itaewon specialty
- Halal fried chicken: Korean favorite
- Bibimbap: Rice bowl (verify ingredients)
- Bulgogi: Marinated beef
Middle Eastern
Common options:
- Turkish: Kebab restaurants
- Indian/Pakistani: Several in Itaewon
- Indonesian/Malaysian: For Southeast Asian visitors
Street Food
Growing options:
- Halal tteokbokki: Some stalls
- Halal kimbap: Available
- Check ingredients: Always ask
Where to Eat
- Itaewon: Most reliable, best variety
- Near mosques: Often have halal nearby
- Tourist areas: Some options emerging
Near Tourist Attractions
Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Limited halal nearby
- Insadong has some options
- Itaewon 20 min by subway
N Seoul Tower
- Very limited at tower
- Itaewon below the hill
- Pack snacks for visit
Myeongdong
- Some halal street food
- Growing options
- Check for halal signs
Bukchon Hanok Village
- Pack food for visit
- Traditional area, limited halal
- Insadong nearby
Dongdaemun
- Some halal near markets
- Ask vendors about ingredients
- Late night options
Prayer Facilities
- Seoul Central Mosque: Main facility
- Incheon Airport: Prayer room available
- Some hotels: Prayer rugs on request
- University campuses: Some have prayer rooms
Shopping for Halal
Itaewon Halal Shops
- Halal butchers: Fresh meat
- Indonesian/Malaysian groceries
- Middle Eastern products
Supermarkets
- Limited halal sections
- E-Mart/Lotte Mart: Some imported halal
- Growing availability
Practical Tips
- Itaewon essential: Main halal hub
- Seoul Central Mosque: Must-visit landmark
- Download apps: HalalTrip Korea, MangoPlate
- Halal Korean BBQ: Try in Itaewon
- KTO certification: Look for Muslim-friendly sticker
- Seafood safe: Generally halal-friendly option
- Learn basics: “Halal isseoyo?” (Is it halal?)
- Friday prayers: Mosque very crowded
- Subway convenient: Good transport to Itaewon
- K-beauty: Many products vegan/halal-friendly