A Muslim Traveler’s Guide to Halal Korean Food in Seoul

Korea’s food scene is world-famous—rich broths simmering for hours, sizzling meats on the grill, chewy rice cakes bathed in sweet-spicy sauce, and comforting soups perfect for cold weather. For Muslim travelers, the challenge is often finding halal-friendly or certified halal options that still capture the authentic Korean taste. The good news? Seoul has been steadily growing its halal scene, offering everything from halal BBQ and street-food inspired dishes to cozy restaurants serving traditional home-style meals.

Whether you’re wandering through Myeongdong, visiting the historical mosques in Itaewon, or exploring Hongdae’s vibrant streets, you’ll find delicious options that respect your dietary needs. Here are top Halal Korean dishes you must try—and where to find them in Seoul.

 

⭐ Must-Try Halal-Friendly Korean Dishes

1. Halal Samgyeopsal (Grilled Beef or Lamb BBQ)

Korean BBQ is a cultural experience—grilling your own meat at the table, dipping it in ssamjang, and wrapping it with rice and lettuce. Halal restaurants in Seoul substitute pork with lamb, beef ribs, or marinated chicken, giving you the same Korean BBQ vibe without compromise.

(Source: https://www.attaliescazu.com/?r=71047596001390)

 

2. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew — Halal Version)

Traditionally made with pork, many halal Korean restaurants prepare it using seafood or beef, keeping the deep tang and warmth of real kimchi stew.

(Source: https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/chamchi-kimchi-jjigae)

 

3. Bulgogi (Sweet Soy-Marinated Beef)

Thin slices of beef marinated overnight in soy, pear juice, garlic, and sesame—sweet, savory, tender, and very halal-friendly.

(Source: https://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipe/soy-marinated-barbecued-beef-bulgogi/z1j4ixpsk)

4. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

A street-food classic. Halal places use halal gochujang and avoid meat stock, giving you the full flavor without unwanted ingredients.

(Source: https://www.bhg.com/tteokbokki-spicy-korean-rice-cakes-6979305)

 

5. Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Spicy Soup)

Made with halal broth and seafood or vegetables, this dish is creamy, spicy, and extremely comforting.

(Source: https://drivemehungry.com/soondubu-jjigae-korean-tofu-soup/)

 

6. Kimchi Bokkeumbap (Kimchi Fried Rice)

Simple but delicious—especially when topped with halal beef or chicken.

(Source: https://omnivorescookbook.com/kimchi-fried-rice/)

 

7. Jajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles — Halal-Certified)

Originally containing pork, halal restaurants substitute it with beef or chicken, letting Muslim travelers enjoy Korea’s iconic noodle dish.

(Source: https://christieathome.com/blog/jajangmyeon-black-bean-noodles/)

🌙 Where to Find Halal Food in Seoul

Below are some top halal-certified or Muslim-friendly restaurants around Seoul, especially near tourist hubs:

1. EID – Halal Korean Food

Why go?

Authentic home-style Korean dishes cooked with fully halal-certified ingredients, located right beside Seoul Central Mosque — the most trusted and consistent halal Korean restaurant in the city.

• Address: 67 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu (Hannam-dong), Seoul, South Korea.
• Phone: +82-70-8899-8210
• Operating hours: Daily 12:00 – 21:00 (KST) according to Visit Seoul official guide.
• Notes: Halal‐certified by the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF).
• Tip: Located near the Seoul Central Mosque (Itaewon), making it convenient for Muslim travellers visiting the mosque.

 

2. Yang Good Halal BBQ

Why go?

One of the few restaurants in Seoul offering true halal Korean BBQ, specializing in high-quality lamb cuts grilled at your table — perfect for the full Korean BBQ experience.

• Address: 15 Nonhyeon-ro 95-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06131, South Korea.
• Phone: +82-2-567-7060
• Operating hours: Monday–Friday 16:00-22:00, Saturday until 21:00, Sunday closed.
• Notes: Halal BBQ specialising in lamb; reservation recommended due to popularity.
• Tip: Located in Gangnam rather than Itaewon—good if you’re staying or exploring that district.

 

3. Kervan Turkish Restaurant COEX

Why Go?

Located inside the popular COEX Mall in Gangnam-gu, it offers a convenient stop for halal-friendly Turkish cuisine amid your Seoul shopping or sightseeing itinerary.

The menu features authentic Turkish-Mediterranean dishes including shish kebabs, mixed grills, lamb chops, falafel, pide (Turkish flatbread), and flavorful sauces—offering a change from purely Korean fare.

The setting is comfortable and spacious (about 95 seats in the outlet) and the ambiance includes Turkish-style decor—good for relaxing after shopping or a busy day.

• Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero (B1 H105?), Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
• Phone: +82-2-556-4767
• Operating Hours:
  • Sunday: 11:00 – 22:00
  • Monday to Friday: 11:00 – 15:00 (lunch) & 16:30 – 22:00 (dinner)
  • Saturday: 11:00 – 22:00
• Halal / Muslim-Friendly Info: Listed as halal or halal-friendly in travel listings. Always recommended to double-check on the day, especially for meat sourcing or possible alcohol in cooking.

Seoul is becoming increasingly welcoming to Muslim travelers, and its halal food scene proves it. Whether you want fiery stews, Korean BBQ, hearty noodle bowls, or simple street-food favorites, you’ll find halal-friendly spots all over the city—without missing out on authentic Korean flavors. With careful preparation and rising demand, Halal Korean cuisine is now easier to experience than ever.

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