Halal food in Seoul has boomed with Muslim tourism: from the mosque district of Itaewon to halal Korean BBQ, here is where Muslims actually eat.
Itaewon: the Muslim heart of Seoul
The streets around Seoul Central Mosque are packed with halal restaurants: Korean, Turkish, Pakistani, Indonesian, Egyptian. The « Muslim street » (Usadan-ro) is the safest and richest starting point — pray at the mosque, then pick any direction.
Halal Korean food is real
Halal Korean BBQ, dakgalbi, bulgogi and the famous Korean fried chicken all exist in halal versions, mostly in Itaewon and around universities. Look for the KMF label (Korea Muslim Federation) or the « Muslim friendly » signage promoted by Korean tourism.
Watch-outs
Regular Korean food leans on pork and rice wine (mirin-like) sauces; kimchi is fine but some stews are not. Convenience stores: seaweed rice rolls with tuna and plain onigiri are safe picks.
Practical
Prayer rooms exist at Incheon airport, COEX mall and several universities. Full listings on our Seoul city guide, with prayer times and the Qibla compass.