From the minarets of Seoul Central Mosque to halal Korean BBQ, from palace courtyards to the contemplative nature of Nami Island... A guide to exploring South Korea with your family.
The capital of your Korean adventure will be the massive and sparkling Seoul. The Itaewon district, located in the heart of this great metropolis, is the meeting point for Muslims and halal life in Korea. Seoul Central Mosque, rising with all its glory on the hill, was built in the 1970s and is a spiritual refuge today where Korean Muslims and expats stand shoulder to shoulder. The streets around the mosque are almost a little halal paradise. Halal-certified butchers, bakeries, Turkish restaurants, and of course Halal Korean restaurants lined up side by side... Safely wandering these streets with your family without being homesick in the Far East and without the doubt of 'is what I eat halal?' adds great peace of mind to your trip.
Visiting the historical Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung palaces of Seoul is like going hundreds of years back in a time machine. Here is a wonderful opportunity for conservative women and girls: renting the traditional Korean dress 'Hanbok'! Hanbok is an extremely elegant outfit that visually suits the Islamic concept of hijab with its long, flowing, and puffy skirt structure that completely hides the body lines. You can rent Hanboks as a family (traditional clothes are also available for men) from the shops around the palaces, combine them with your hijab, and take immense photos in the palace courtyards. The Korean people respect tourists who respect their culture so much that you will encounter many locals bowing to you with a smile while walking on the street.
Let's come to the most curious famous 'Korean BBQ' issue! It is possible to experience the culture of cooking meat on the grill in the middle of the table, which you see in dramas and envy, in the halal circle. In 100% halal-certified restaurants such as 'Makan Halal Korean Restaurant' or 'Eid Halal Korean Food' in Itaewon, you can enjoy a barbecue as a family with halal beef and safely taste the famous Bulgogi or Bibimbap dishes. However, you should be careful about the street delicacies sold in the shopping street Myeongdong. Many hot sauces (Gochujang) and soy sauces may contain alcohol or pork derivatives during the production stage. At this point, mobile applications such as 'Halal Korea' or 'Mufit' that you can download to your smartphone are your biggest helpers that will tell you whether the products are halal in seconds by scanning the barcode.
With the dramas that have been guests in our homes in recent years, its sparkling streets, and respectful people, South Korea decorates the dreams of especially our youth and families. So, when we go to this dynamic country of the Far East, should we worry about 'Can we find halal food?', 'Where do we worship?' or 'Will we experience culture shock?'. Never! Because Korea is a much more Muslim-friendly country than imagined.
The South Korean government has been making an extraordinary effort to host Muslim tourists in recent years. The best example of this is the famous Nami Island, located a short distance from Seoul and fascinating with its nature. After riding a bike with your family among giant trees and contemplating the lush nature created by Allah by the river, a wonderful surprise awaits you in the middle of the island: A clean, official Mosque with an ablution room! (Nami Island Musalla). After performing your prayer, you can satisfy your hunger at the halal restaurant named 'Asian Family Restaurant Dongmoon' on the island. Being shown so much respect for your beliefs at the other end of the world, in the middle of a nature park, turns your Korean trip from just a tourist trip into a wonderful memory where you rest spiritually.
With its culture centered on respect, its tremendous level of security, and the importance it attaches to halal tourism, South Korea is one of the most comfortable and fun routes in the Far East for Muslim families. Letting your children experience that colorful world they see in dramas without compromising your own beliefs and privacy will be an unforgettable tour of horizon. If you are looking for a house with a kitchen where you can comfortably cook your own meal in the streets of Korea, or an alcohol-free, decent hotel in the center of the city; as the HalalWorld.com family, we are always by your side with accommodation options that best suit you and consider your Islamic sensitivities. Get your passports ready, we are going to say 'Annyeonghaseyo' (Hello)!
