JAKARTA – Korean culinary establishments are adapting their offerings with halal-compliant options as Muslim tourist arrivals experience dramatic increases across the country.

Transformation of Seoul’s Dining Landscape

On the evening of the 26th, a grilled fish establishment near Sinchon Station in Seoul’s Seodaemun District operated at full capacity. Approximately forty patrons, predominantly Muslim visitors wearing hijabs, enthusiastically ordered menu items through photo selections. As grilled mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and spicy squid dishes arrived, diners exclaimed “Sedap!” (delicious in Malay) and “Terbaik!” (the best).

This venue initially catered to university students but transformed after establishing reputation as a halal-appropriate restaurant among Muslim travelers. Foreign customer transactions now represent seventy percent of total revenue. The term “halal” derives from Arabic meaning “permitted,” referring to food acceptable under Islamic dietary law.

Shifting Consumption Patterns

As Korean pop culture and beauty trends attract increasing Muslim visitors, their culinary preferences are evolving. Previously, Muslim tourists primarily frequented Itaewon for kebabs or lamb dishes. Currently, they actively seek Korean restaurants meeting halal standards.

Korea Tourism Organization data indicates Muslim tourist numbers grew from 360,000 in 2022 to 800,000 in 2023. Last year saw 1.03 million arrivals, and through October this year, 998,000 have visited, projecting consecutive years exceeding one million visitors.

Limited Certification, Creative Solutions

Despite growing demand, only approximately fifteen restaurants nationwide hold official halal certification from the Korea Islamic Federation (KMF) Halal Committee. Consequently, Muslim travelers share information about “halal-friendly” establishments through social media platforms and specialized food and travel applications. They patronize venues avoiding pork and alcohol or emphasizing seafood and vegetable preparations, subsequently posting reviews.

Restaurant Adaptations Across Seoul

Mid-afternoon on the 26th, a Korean restaurant in Myeongdong’s Jung District attracted crowds of Muslim tourists. Hijab-wearing visitors filled stairways and corridors. Multiple families with young children ordered Budae-jjigae (army stew) and kimbap prepared without processed meats. Wall signage announced “Prayer room available.”

Establishments in tourist-heavy districts including Myeongdong, Sinchon, and Bukchon gain popularity by offering Muslim-appropriate dishes such as kimchi fried rice without fermented seafood and Budae-jjigae utilizing soy-based meat alternatives. Mr. Sim, 59, operating a Myeongdong Korean restaurant, stated, “We eliminated processed meat usage due to increasing Muslim tourist presence.”

Temple Cuisine Appeals to Muslim Diners

Muslim visitors also frequent temple food restaurants. Late morning on the 26th, hijab-wearing women queued at a temple cuisine establishment in Insadong’s Jongno District. The venue displayed “Vegan Restaurant” signage. Customers ordered dishes including soybean bulgogi wraps, shiitake rolls, and plum sauce with mushroom tempura as meat alternatives. Employee Song Taehyun, 30, noted, “We conduct cooking classes for Muslim customers interested in temple food preparation methods.”

Evolution of Muslim Tourist Consumption

Professor Jeong Ran-su from Hanyang University’s Tourism Department observed, “Muslim tourists’ consumption patterns are transitioning from passive phases seeking familiar international food toward active exploration and consumption of Korean cuisine within their religious requirements.”

This behavioral shift reflects increasing confidence among Muslim travelers to engage with local culinary traditions while maintaining dietary observance. Rather than limiting themselves to explicitly halal-certified venues or familiar Middle Eastern cuisine, visitors now investigate Korean restaurants demonstrating understanding and accommodation of Islamic dietary principles.

Market Implications and Future Outlook

The transformation of Seoul’s restaurant landscape demonstrates how hospitality sectors can successfully adapt to diverse religious requirements while maintaining authentic culinary identity. Korean establishments show that halal-friendliness doesn’t require complete menu overhaul but rather thoughtful ingredient selection and preparation modifications.

This trend benefits multiple stakeholders: Muslim tourists gain expanded dining options enhancing travel experiences, restaurants access growing customer segments, and Korea strengthens its position as an inclusive tourism destination. As Muslim visitor numbers continue rising, restaurants demonstrating cultural sensitivity and dietary accommodation position themselves advantageously within competitive tourism markets.

The integration of prayer facilities, modified traditional dishes, and engagement with plant-based alternatives illustrates comprehensive approaches to welcoming Muslim guests beyond basic dietary compliance. This holistic hospitality model may serve as reference for other destinations seeking to attract and serve Muslim tourist markets effectively.

Original Article:

Halal Focus. (2026, January 6). Muslim Tourists Shift to Korean Halal Cuisine.  Retrieved from https://halalfocus.com/muslim-tourists-shift-to-korean-halal-cuisine/