Halal-Friendly Korean Cuisine Gains Popularity Among Muslim Tourists in Seoul

Halal-Friendly Korean Cuisine Gains Popularity Among Muslim Tourists in Seoul
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Seoul’s culinary scene is increasingly adapting to the growing presence of Muslim tourists, who are seeking halal-friendly options in traditional Korean cuisine, according to The Chosun Daily.

On the evening of December 26, a grilled fish restaurant near Sinchon Station in Seodaemun district was filled with Muslim visitors, easily recognizable by their hijabs, ordering dishes such as grilled mackerel and spicy stir-fried squid. Once mainly frequented by students, the restaurant now earns nearly 70 percent of its revenue from foreign customers and has established itself as a halal-friendly destination.

The rise of K-pop and K-beauty has contributed to the growth of Muslim tourism in South Korea. Previously limited to kebab shops or lamb restaurants in Itaewon, Muslim visitors are now exploring Korean dishes adapted to their dietary restrictions. The Korea Tourism Organization reports that the number of Muslim tourists visiting South Korea has risen from 360,000 in 2022 to over one million annually for the past two years.

In the absence of widespread official halal certification, tourists rely on social media platforms and specialized apps to identify restaurants that avoid pork and alcohol. Areas such as Myeongdong, Sinchon, and Bukchon now offer adapted versions of traditional dishes, including gimbap, “army” stew, and kimchi fried rice, while temple vegetarian cuisine also attracts Muslim visitors.

Experts note that this trend signals a shift from cautious consumption to a more engaged exploration of Korean cuisine, demonstrating how Seoul’s food culture is evolving to accommodate diverse dietary and religious needs.