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Halal Korean Food In Seoul: 12 Restaurants That’ll Satisfy Your Cravings

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Have Halal Will Travel •  Dec 06, 2018

[Updated 30 May 2022]

What's a trip to Korea without savouring its awesome cuisine? Ah, dakgalbi, bibimbap and tteokbokki - it's hard not to love these yummy dishes and if you're looking for halal authentic Korean food in Korea, this is JUST the perfect guide for you. So, without further ado, let your Korean food adventure begin!

#HHWTTip: Conquer Seoul with our Muslim-friendly 5D4N itinerary!

Halal Food In Seoul

1. EID - 이드 Halal Korean Food

If you've visited Seoul recently or are planning to, it's extremely likely that you've heard of this particular restaurant. Our writer made a trip down and absolutely loved their food as well as the wide array of halal Korean food they serve! Like most halal eateries in Seoul, EID is located in Itaewon and even if this wasn't originally on your itinerary, we highly recommend making a trip down just to try authentic halal Korean food. After all, what's a trip to Seoul if you've not tried the local cuisine?

Like all other Korean eateries, they serve refillable banchan (side dishes), which we absolutely love. If you want to be in close proximity to all these yummy food, be sure to check out their affiliated EID guesthouse (also known as FNSTAY Guesthouse on some booking websites) for Muslim-friendly accommodation in Seoul!

Halal status: Halal-certified by Korea Muslim Federation. A mosque is available nearby for prayers.

Address: 67, Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04408 South Korea

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2. Manis Kitchen

If you're looking for an affordable snack on-the-go, head over to Manis Kitchen located outside Seoul Central Mosque! It can be difficult to find Muslim-friendly versions of popular street snacks such as tteokbokki, odeng (Korean fishcake) or kimbap but this Muslim-owned stall has them all ready for you!

Dig into piping-hot tteokbokki covered with sweet and spicy sauce, or if you're looking for something a little more filling you can also order some kimchi or shrimp fried rice! ?

Check out the story of Manis Kitchen's founder here - she's a Korean-Muslim revert who found Islam after working at the mosque!

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Address: 36 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea (서울특별시 용산구 이태원1동 우사단로10길 36)

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3. Busan Jib Restaurant

Tucked away in the streets of Myeongdong, Busan Jib serves delicious authentic Korean cuisine using halal-certified meat. Must try dishes include their Korean spicy chicken stew and ginseng chicken? You can also make your very own Bulgogi lettuce wraps here!

P.S. Shopping in Myeongdong? Make sure you refer to our Myeongdong insider tips to help you get the best bargains!

Even if you're not a meat person, this is still the restaurant for you as they serve similarly yummy seafood dishes! Be sure to try their spicy seafood stew and chilli sotong (chilli squid). If you're feeling a little homesick and craving for some 'Malay' food, you have to try their ikan bakar (grilled fish) and asam pedas!

Halal status: Uses only halal-certified meat and ingredients. Alcoholic beverages are sold separately in the establishment but is not used in food or drink preparation. We recommend you dine at your own discretion.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 10AM - 10.30PM, Sat-Sun; 10AM - 11PM

Address: 11-4 Myeongdong 8-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 명동2가 명동8길 11-4)

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4. Murree

Murree is actually one of the first restaurants to start serving halal Korean cuisine in Seoul - all the way back in 2008! Though it's also known as an Indian restaurant, the Korean menu here is actually pretty extensive. From the usual favourites like bulgogi and bibimbap to dakdoritang (spicy chicken stew), dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), galbitang (short beef ribs soup), kimchi jjiggae and more, there’s something for everyone at Murree!

The main highlight was definitely the cheese dakgalbi - the cheese was so stretchy and the chicken dakgalbi was super savoury! As it’s hard to find halal dakgalbi in Seoul, make sure you grab the chance to try this! The dakgalbi is very spicy but luckily, the cheese balances out the flavours. As the portions are very big, we recommend sharing your dishes.

Do note that this eatery is closed temporarily due to Covid-19. We advise you to check its opening status before visiting.

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 11.30AM - 9.30PM, Sat-Sun; 11.10AM-9.30PM

Address: 20, Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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5. Yang Good BBQ - Yeoksam

If you've stared longingly at the locals enjoy their BBQ meal and wished you could try halal BBQ in Korea too, we know how you feel. Boy, are we glad that we can have an authentic Korean BBQ experience at Yang Good!

Choose from either un-marinated lamb to enjoy the tender lamb meat in its full glory, or opt for the marinated lamb to savour juicy lamb rack coated with Korean sweet sauce! If there's still room in your tummy, Yang Good also has lamb soup, deonjang-jjigae 된장찌개 (fermented soybean paste soup), mulnaengmyeon물냉면 (cold noodles) and other Korean dishes. The perfect place to drop by for dinner after shopping at Gangnam!

Halal status: Only halal-certified meat and ingredients are used. Do note that acoholic beverages are served in the establishment but no alcohol is used in the food or drinks prepared. Do dine at your own discretion.

Address: 15, Nonhyeon-ro 95-gil, Gangnam-gu Pyeonghwa Bldg. 1F, Seoul 06131 South Korea

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6. Osegyehyang Vegetarian Restaurant

Insadong, known for its traditional atmosphere, is a hub of traditional Korean restaurants. When you see a line of Hanok styled buildings, you’ll know that this is home to some of the best gourmet Korean restaurants in town, places even the locals come to savour the delicious menu. Plus, it's hard to find alcohol-free Muslim-friendly restaurants in Korea so this one is definitely a gem!

Osegyehyang translates literally to “Aromas of the Five Worlds”. This vegetarian restaurant is well known by locals for its delicious vegetarian dishes! With a budget of 15,000 Won per person, you can enjoy a nice and hearty meal over here. Osegyehyang uses vegetables and soy products in place of meat. The dishes are so well prepared that we could barely differentiate it from the original version! For example, Tang Su Yuk, a dish traditionally made with meat is replaced by mushrooms. Do give it a shot if you're in the vicinity!

Halal status: Vegetarian and vegan-friendly options only. No meat or alcohol are used in the dishes. We recommend you dine at your own discretion.

Address: 14-5, Insadong 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03146 South Korea

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7. Halal Kitchen Korea

If you ever wanted to try authentic halal Korean cuisine prepared by a Korean chef, Halal Kitchen Korea is the perfect place for you! The food here is cooked by a Korean Muslim, Hassan Lee.

Located in Bukchon, here's your chance to experience Korean dining in a hanok (traditional Korean house)! Make sure to try their samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup) and bugolgi (Korean barbeque) beef while you're there.

Samgyetang is considered helpful for restoring your health energy, making it the perfect pick-me-up to ensure you'll be ready for the rest of your trip. As Halal Kitchen only serves samgyetang and bulgogi now, we recommend that you arrive early to ensure that your desired dish doesn't get sold out first. Getting to taste authentic Korean dishes will definitely be worth the trip down!

P.S. If you're in Seoul, don't miss out on the opportunity to snap the best images for the 'gram at these places!

Do note that this eatery is closed temporarily due to Covid-19. We advise you to check its opening status before visiting.

Halal status: Muslim-owned. Prayer facilities available in the establishment but do bring your own prayer mat and prayer garments.

Opening hours: Wed-Mon; 12PM - 3PM, 5PM - 8PM (closed on Tuesdays)

Contact: +82 10-9076-3106

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8. Kampungku Restaurant

Located in the heart of Myeongdong, Kampungku serves authentic Korean and Malaysian food. The menu options are mouthwatering and include some of the best both countries have to offer!

From local dishes like Bulgogi, Sweet Crispy Chicken, Korean Fried Chicken, and Kimchi Fried Rice to Asian favourites like nasi lemak, fried rice, tom yam and chicken satay – they definitely have something for everyone! Not to mention that they also have a mart where you can get halal-certified meat and Korean products like seaweed, honey tea, red ginseng and more ☺️ If you're looking for more places to shop for halal groceries, our round-up of halal food marts in Korea will help you out!

#HHWT Tip: Those who are not looking to eat in, they also offer takeaways so there’s really no need to worry if you don’t have much time!

This eatery also has a designated prayer room! For the ladies, they also have telekung too. Isn’t that super convenient?

Halal status: Muslim-owned. Prayer facilities available in the establishment, including prayer garments.

Address: 25, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04629 South Korea

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9. Maji

Similar to Osegyehyang, Maji is a restaurant that specializes in vegan Korean-style temple food. Located in a traditional house in the Seochon district near Gyeongbokgung, dining here feels like a step back into an older version of the city! What sets Maji apart is that everything is prepared using organic ingredients, with minimal or no oil. They also don’t use any garlic or onion in their cooking.

We had the dinner set menu which included a selection of dishes like japchae, pancake, shiitake mushrooms, side dishes, lotus leaf rice and more. One of the main highlights of our meal was gujeolpan (the colourful dish in the middle) - this dish was once only enjoyed by the nobility and there are 9 ingredients such as carrot, baby pumpkin, radish, mushroom, beetroot, paprika and more.

P.S. It may seem like a simple dish but it actually takes 4 hours to make so you’d have to reserve in advance (by calling or through Facebook) if you want to try this.

Halal status: Only vegan ingredients used, and no alcohol is used in food preparation. Do note that they do sell separate alcoholic beverages. We recommend you dine at your own discretion.

Address: 19, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03041 South Korea

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10. Little India

A popular tourist spot in Insa-dong, this restaurant is located on the second floor of a shophouse in Insa-dong. With a fantastic atmosphere, a view of Insa-dong and delicious food, anyone would love this place.

P.S. Check out these 12 K-Drama spots near halal food in Korea!

Tasting like home cooked North Indian food, try their lamb curry for a mouthful of spice-filled flavours. Better yet, accompany this with a potful of tea to warm yourself up in cold weather! 

Little India 

Halal Status: Halal-Certified

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11. Cous Cous Tunisian Home Kitchen

This Mediterranean home kitchen is run by a Korean women who lived in Tunisia for three years! After recognising how difficult it can be for Muslims in Korea to find halal food, she opened up a restaurant to help the Muslim community find good food. With experience and heart, Cous Cous has delicious halal, home-cooked dishes for any Muslim to enjoy.

Although the restaurant sells alcohol, their menu has stickers to show you which dish is served with halal meat. The owner is helpful as well, she tells you which dish has halal meat in stock for the day!

Cous Cous Tunisian Home Kitchen 

Halal Status: Halal Restaurant Week Korea Recognised

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12. Petra

The warmest and most helpful service imaginable can be found at Petra! Run by a Palestinian man living in Korea, this restaurant also has incredibly delicious food.

P.S. Here are 11 Halal Food In Korea (Under 15,000 KRW) You Need To Try!

Credit: petra_restaurant_korea on Instagram

The Briyani and Mandhi Rice served by Petra is filled with unforgettable Mediterranean spices and flavours. Complete your meal with a plate of Cous Cous and Lamb Chops Kebab and you have yourself a feast!

Located near Itaewon, this place is prefect for a mid-shopping meal or an end of day feast! Just hop onto the subway and drop off at Noksapyeong to enjoy mouth-watering dishes with Petra.

Petra 

Halal Status: Self-Certified Muslim Friendly Restaurant Korea

BONUS: Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market 노량진수산시장 (Not halal-certified)

If you're a seafood lover, you MUST visit Noryangjin Fish Market for the freshest seafood – Korean style! King crabs, lobsters, abalone, scallop, prawns, the weirdest species of shellfishes and more. If you can name it, they have it! When you reach the market, head straight to the first floor to select your seafood and don’t forget to bargain! The stallholders are usually willing to lower their prices if you purchase more items from them.

Once you've made your choice, it’s time to make your way up to the second floor for them to be prepared in a restaurant. You’ll have a choice of steamed, grilled or raw. Do note that there will be a preparation fee per item if you would like your seafood to be grilled or steamed. The restaurants are not halal-certified, so request for your food to be simply cooked without any alcohol or broth added.

Our recommendations:

  • Maeuntang매운탕 (Spicy fish soup, pronounced "may-oon-tang") – Order this at the restaurant!
  • Jeonbok 전복 (Abalone, pronounced "john-bock") – The best way to enjoy your abalone is to have it steamed!
  • Hoe 회 (Sashimi, pronounced "hway") - Yellowtail and flounder are some of the varieties you can find!
  • Garibi 가리비(Grilled scallop, pronounced "gah-ree-bee")
  • Ge 게(Crab, pronounced "geh") - Steamed crab will refuel you for a day ahead!

Halal status: Many restaurants serve purely seafood but do ask the owners if they add any meat or alcohol in their cooking and dine at your own discretion

Opening hours: General Fish Market: 1.30am – 10pm

Address: 674, Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu Metro #1 Noryangjin Station, Seoul 06900 South Korea

Useful Phrases

We know it's really hard to find halal food outside of Itaewon so we've prepared some phrases that you may find handy when ordering your food! If you're having any trouble pronouncing the sentence, you can use Google Translate's read-aloud feature to help you out!

  • Does this dish contain meat/ham? – yiyorineungogi/haem duroisseoyo 이요리는 고기/햄 들어있어요?
  • Please do not put meat/ham – gogi/haem neotjimaseyo 고기/햄 넣지마세요
  • Please remove meat/ham – gogi/haem paejuseyo 고기/햄 빼주세요
  • I don’t eat meat – naneun gogireul an meogeoyo 나는 고기를 안먹어요
  • I can’t eat meat – naneun gogireul mot meogeoyo. 나는 고기를 못 먹어요
  • I can only eat vegetables and seafood – naneun yachaewa haemulman meogeul suyiseoyo 나는 야채와 해물만 먹을 수있어요.
  • I’m a vegetarian – naneun chaesikjaimnida 나는 채식자입니다

If you've discovered any other halal Korean food places in Seoul, please share it with us by leaving a comment! And do share our guide with your friends and family if you find it useful!