gapyear
Global
KGY Tips
chevron-left-black

[KGY Travel TIP] Halal K-Food Adventures: My Journey as a Muslim Traveler in South Korea, Seoul

listIconBack to List

Halal K-Food Adventures:

My Journey as a Muslim Traveler in South Korea, Seoul

 

Traveling to a new country as a Muslim can feel like embarking on a treasure hunt for halal food! The struggle is real, but so is the joy of discovering delicious surprises along the way.


When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure where to start. I explored countless places, but more often than not, I found myself at fast-food joints. Finding spots with only chicken—and no pork on the menu—was tricky, but every little discovery felt like a victory.

One of my first stops was Lotteria, where I tried their chicken burger. Let me tell you—I was blown away! Not just by the taste, but by how cheap it was compared to back home in the Netherlands. A full meal for around 14,000 won or less? Yes, please! In the Netherlands, fast food is so much more expensive, so this felt like a win for my wallet and my cravings.

But the adventure didn’t stop there. I found a cozy little spot serving some of the best ramen, kimbap, and a delicious combo of egg, chicken, rice, and kimchi. The flavors were incredible—spicy, savory, and so satisfying. It’s moments like these that remind me why exploring local food is one of the best parts of traveling.


If you’re a fellow Muslim traveler, don’t worry if the journey starts out rough. Stay curious, keep exploring, and don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations. You’ll not only find halal-friendly gems but also experience the joy of trying something new. Trust me, the adventure is worth it! This place has delicious kimchi, ramen, kimbap and more dishes! (not all of them are halal so be sure to ask the nice workers if there are any pork in the meals)

Korean Barbecue for Muslims:

A Delicious Experience in Hongdae

If you're a Muslim visiting Korea, trying Korean barbecue is a must! It’s a fun way to enjoy your meal since you can add extra ingredients and flavors to suit your taste. Plus, it’s affordable!


In Hongdae, there are many great food spots where you can enjoy Korean BBQ. The beef, in particular, is amazing—tender and full of flavor. For Muslims, make sure to choose halal-certified options, which are available in many restaurants, especially in places like Hongdae.
Finding the right place to eat can sometimes feel hard, and it’s not always easy. But once you start exploring and trying new places, you’ll be able to discover exactly what you’re looking for. I personally love beef at Korean BBQ, and I can't wait to try it again when I visit Korea next! 

 

Korean cuisine is famous for its bold flavors and wide variety of dishes. However, Muslims need to be mindful when choosing dishes. Thankfully, many dishes can be made halal by substituting or leaving out certain ingredients.
Here are some Korean dishes you should try:

 

Halal-Friendly Korean Dishes


1. Halal Samgyetang in Seoul

Samgyetang, a traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup, is a must-try dish in Seoul. For Muslim travelers, Eid Halal Korean Food and Makan Halal Korean Restaurant in Itaewon offer halal versions of this delicious and nutritious soup.

Halal Food in Itaewon, Seoul: Itaewon is a must-visit for Muslims in Seoul, offering plenty of halal-friendly options. Popular spots include Eid Halal Korean Food, serving authentic Korean dishes like Samgyetang, and Makan Halal Korean Restaurant. You'll also find halal groceries and prayer facilities nearby, making Itaewon a welcoming place for Muslim travelers.

 

2. Kimchi


Kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish, usually made with napa cabbage and radish, and flavored with chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce. For halal versions, you can find kimchi made without fish sauce or use halal-certified fish sauce.

 

3. Tteokbokki


A popular street food, Tteokbokki is made of chewy rice cakes in a spicy-sweet sauce. Be cautious about the fish cake (eomuk) in the sauce, as it often contains non-halal ingredients. Opt for versions made with halal ingredients or fish-free.

 

4. Kimbap


Kimbap is often compared to sushi, made with rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat or fish wrapped in seaweed. For a halal version, you can use halal chicken, beef, or just vegetables and egg.

 

TIP:

When buying ramen or noodles, be sure to check the ingredients as some may contain pork. Always ask about the ingredients used in dishes, especially when it comes to pork or alcohol. For more convenience, visit halal markets and specialized stores in Itaewon or check for halal-certified products in local supermarkets.

 

gapyear
homeIconHOME
closeIcon
accountIcon
Thank you for visiting Korea GapYear.
Login
|
Sign-Up
Programs
|
FAQ
|
Notice Board
search_icon

KGY Projects

  • all
    View ALL
  • Korea GapYear

    • KGY Introduction
    • KGY Impact
    • KGY Press
    • KGY Location
  • Curriculum

    • Curriculum
    • Self-Test
    • Consulting
    • Mission
    • Note
    • Tips
  • Stories

    • Stories
  • Customer Service

    • FAQ
    • Notice Board
    • Suggest to us
  • KOREAN

    PROGRAM CREATOR
    Bank : KOOKMIN BANK
    Swift / Bic Code : CZNBKRSEXXX
    Account Holder Name :
    KOREA GAPYEAR
    Bank account : 43766811006534
    • youtube
    • insta
    • facebook
    • blog