A Muslim Guide to Travelling in South Korea

Are you a Muslim who wants to travel to South Korea? Here’s some good news for you: the South Korean government is pretty much concerned about the needs of the country’s Muslim visitors and minority population. Thus, is involved in improving the halal industry. So you can safely visit South Korea without worrying about where to eat and where to worship. Below is a quick guide as a Muslim traveller in South Korea.

Finding Halal Food in Korea

Halal food is widely available in South Korea if you know where to find them. Perhaps the biggest challenge that Muslims have to face when visiting South Korea is finding a place to eat. Restaurants and eateries in South Korea don’t always put up a halal sign to indicate that their food is safe for Muslims to eat. Same goes with street food, you can’t always easily tell. Not to worry, though. There are a growing number of Indian and Islamic restaurants within Seoul and Busan.

In Seoul, you can find them concentrated mostly in Insadong and Itaewon. In Busan, halal restaurants are concentrated around the Busan Masjid. If you can’t find a restaurant that overtly serves halal food, you can always ask if they have seafood or vegan options on their menu. Many South Korean restaurants, even the traditional ones, offer such food. Additionally, many traditional Korean dishes are safe enough for Muslims to eat.

Useful Phrases for Muslims Travelling in South Korea

I don’t eat meat – Jo nen gogi rel an mogo yo.

Is there any pork inside? – Duejikogi issoyo?

Please don’t put meat [in my food] – Gogi rel nohjimase yo.

I am a vegetarian – Jo nen cheshik juweeja ye yo.

I don’t drink alcohol – Jo nen sus an masho yo. Thank you – Kamsahamnida

Partial list of Masjids in South Korea

Another challenge Muslim often faces when visiting South Korea is finding a place of worship. Again, the South Korean government has made many masjids available as their way of caring for their Muslim residents’ and visitors’ needs. Most South Korean cities and towns have their own masjids.

Most of these masjids and Muslim community centers hold prayer services five times a day. Many of them incorporate traditional Korean and Muslim architecture and are definitely worth the visit. They’re also great places to meet other Muslim tourists and residents in Korea. So you’ll have opportunities to socialize and make new friends on your trip to South Korea. If you don’t feel confident about planning your travel to South Korea on your own, then you can try finding a travel agent or tour guide with thorough knowledge and experience with halal and Muslim culture.

Planning to take a tour in South Korea? Why not check out other things to do in articles we’ve listed here!