Traveling Seoul as a Muslim Traveler: A Guide to Halal Food, Prayer Spaces, and Groceries

Where to Pray in Seoul?

Seoul has limited mosques and prayer spaces, but with proper planning, you can find convenient places to pray during your travels. Here are some key locations:

1. Seoul Central Mosque (Itaewon)

• The largest and most well-known mosque in South Korea, located in Itaewon, the heart of Seoul’s Muslim community.

• Offers daily prayers, Jumu'ah prayers, and Islamic lectures.

• Nearby halal restaurants like EID Halal Korean Food and Makan Halal Restaurant make it a great stop for Muslim travelers.

• Address: 39 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

  
  

2. Shopping Malls & Public Places with Prayer Rooms

If you're out exploring, you can find prayer rooms in some major shopping malls and attractions:

• Namdaemun Market – A small prayer space is available for Muslim visitors.

• COEX Mall – Has a designated prayer room, perfect for those shopping or attending events.

• Incheon Airport – Multiple prayer rooms in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, great for travelers arriving or departing.

• Lotte World – Offers a prayer room for Muslim guests visiting the theme park.

• Everland – A dedicated prayer room is available for Muslim visitors enjoying Korea’s largest amusement park.

• Nami Island – Though no official prayer room, the island has quiet spots where you can pray discreetly.

  
  

3. Iftar & Halal Dining Near Prayer Spaces

If you're in Hongdae during Ramadan or just need a good meal after prayers, check out:

• KampungKu & Bakso Bejo – Popular halal Indonesian and Malaysian restaurant in Seoul.

• Nami Island – Several halal-friendly restaurants offer meals for Muslim travelers.

  
  

Beware of Self-Proclaimed Halal Street Food

1. Not All "Halal" Street Food is Actually Halal

• Many street food vendors, especially in Myeongdong, claim their food is halal but use the same grill, oil, or utensils as non-halal items.

• Dishes like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) or odeng (fish cakes) often contain broth made from non-halal sources.

• Always ask for ingredients or stick to naturally halal snacks.

  
  

2. Safe Street Food Options

If you’re craving Korean street food but want to ensure it's halal, try:

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Goguma, 고구마) – A warm, naturally halal snack sold on street corners in winter.

• Roasted Chestnuts (군밤, Gunbam) & Roasted Sweet Corn – Simple, healthy, and widely available.

• Fruits – Fresh-cut fruits or fruit juices are safe options for snacking on the go.

  
  

Mart is Your Best Friend: Finding Halal Snacks & Instant Food

If you can’t find a halal restaurant, don’t worry! Many convenience stores and supermarkets carry halal-certified or vegetarian-friendly products.

1. Best Places to Shop for Halal Snacks & Instant Food

• Emart & Lotte Mart – Large supermarkets where you can find international and halal-certified products.

• CU & GS25 (Convenience Stores) – Some branches stock instant noodles and snacks with halal certification.

  
  

2. Use the Mufko App to Check Halal Ingredients

• Many Korean packaged foods don’t clearly state if they are halal.

• Some may not contain pork but might have alcohol or other non-halal ingredients.

• Download the "Mufko (Muslim Friendly Korea)" app – It allows you to scan or search for halal-friendly products, making grocery shopping much easier.

• The app also provides a list of certified halal products available in Korean supermarkets.

  
  

3. Where to Buy Halal Groceries?

If you need fresh halal meat, spices, or specific products, visit:

• Foreign Food Mart (Itaewon) – The best place for halal meat, imported spices, and instant halal food.

• Al-Baraqa Halal Meat Shop – Specializes in fresh halal meat options for those staying in Seoul long-term or cooking their own meals.