South Korea: Halal Food Market Booms in Seoul as Muslim and Non-Muslim Demand Grows

South Korea: Halal Food Market Booms in Seoul as Muslim and Non-Muslim Demand Grows
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Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is witnessing notable growth in its halal food and products market, as increasing numbers of Muslims and non-Muslims visit restaurants offering cuisine that complies with Islamic dietary requirements. Itaewon, a neighbourhood in the western part of the capital known for its international food scene, has emerged as one of the city’s leading destinations for halal dining.

According to the International Quran News Agency (IQNA), Itaewon has become a popular destination for people seeking halal food, with restaurants serving a wide range of Middle Eastern and South Asian dishes. Interest in these cuisines continues to grow among local residents and international visitors alike.

Arabesque is among the restaurants benefiting from this trend, attracting large numbers of customers, most of whom are Muslim. The restaurant offers a diverse menu of more than 70 dishes, including sandwiches, kebabs, seafood, and curry, alongside approximately 15 varieties of appetizers.

The restaurant’s owner, Firas Al-Kafahi, a Jordanian national, said the concept was designed to bring together a variety of Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines rather than focus exclusively on the traditional food of a single country. The aim, he explained, is to ensure that visitors from different nationalities can find familiar dishes.

Al-Kafahi said the Itaewon branch opened in 2017 in response to repeated requests from friends and customers seeking an Arabic restaurant with a varied menu in the South Korean capital.

He also noted that access to halal dining has improved considerably in recent years, making it easier for Muslims to find restaurants that meet their dietary requirements in Seoul and other parts of South Korea.

Figures from the Korea Tourism Organization’s 2022 Muslim-Friendly Restaurant Guide recorded 288 restaurants across South Korea offering food services suitable for Muslim customers, reflecting the development of this market.

Al-Kafahi observed that demand for halal food is no longer limited to Muslim customers. An increasing number of South Koreans are also visiting these establishments, a trend he partly attributed to greater exposure to Middle Eastern cultures and cuisines through international travel, employment, and overseas residence.