When you think of Seoul, perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is shopping. But some may be at lost when it comes to buying souvenirs to bring back to family and friends, and even for themselves. We’ve rounded up some of the best souvenirs you can get from Seoul, and guess what? They’re Muslim-friendly!
Credit: Giphy
Credit: Halal Korea on Facebook
Moreover, the original plain seaweed crisps (with no additional flavourings) are usually vegan-friendly. However, if you want to be certain, look for the Doldori brand (pictured), which has been deemed suitable for Muslim consumption by the Halal Korea Consumer's Union! Doldori's chips come in 4 flavours - honey butter, cheese, hot spicy, and wasabi - so you can have a snack for every craving. ?
Where to find them: Convenience stores, supermarkets, Namdaemun Market.
[P.S. Check these 12 halal marts in Korea to see what else you can find!]
2. Honey citron tea
Came down with a cold? Nothing warms you up like a cup of honey citron tea, traditionally used in Korean households as a common cold remedy! This aromatic tea feels like a warm embrace on a chilly rainy day and calms you down. Is the weather too hot? Make it iced instead.
The tea is commonly sold in a large jar, but there are sachet and capsule options nowadays. To prepare, just add hot or cold water to a spoonful (or more) of the sweet, thick and pulpy syrup. Citron tea typically contains a mixture of citrus, citrus peel, honey and sugar. Some brands that have received specific halal certification by the Indonesian Council of Ulama include MasilRaon, Namiro, and Ligaro.
Where to find them: Supermarkets
3. Ummappang Bread
The Halal Korea Consumers Union has paired up with a bakery company to create fully halal bread for Muslims in Korea!
Credit: Halal Korea on Facebook
While this does not mean that all other bread products are unsuitable for consumption, you can rest assured that this brand-new Ummappang has no ambiguous ingredients, and is manufactured in a Muslim-friendly environment with no cross-contamination. Ummappang (named after both the Korean 'umma' for 'mother' and the Muslim 'ummah') can now be found in halal marts in Myeongdong and Itaewon, so you can buy a loaf for breakfast!
#HHWT Tip: While this is the only bread brand formally endorsed by Halal Korea Consumers Union, do note that this does not mean all other bread products are unsuitable for consumption. We recommend you check the list of other products for ingredients such as lard or shortening, and dine at your discretion.
Where to find them: Halal marts in Itaewon and Myeongdong
4. Milkis
Have you ever wondered what carbonated milk tastes like? That’s exactly what Milkis is. Some call it a cross between soda and yoghurt, but it’s definitely nothing you’ve imagined.
Milkis is a product of Lotte Chilsung, a renowned South Korean beverage company, and received halal certification by Korea Muslim Federation in 2015. There are six flavours to choose from: strawberry, melon, banana, mango and orange.
Where to find them: Convenience stores, supermarkets, vending machines
Alternatively, you can buy your halal food souvenirs from Itaewon Foreign Mart! Everything here is sourced from halal-certified suppliers, so whether you're looking for ingredients to cook in your accommodation or simply some snacks to bring back home, this is the place to go!
Address: 137-8 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 10am-12am daily
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Food
1. Seaweed crisps What makes seaweed crisps (or 'gim') a great snack is not only that it’s made with natural ingredients without artificial colouring and preservatives, but it also provides a lot of health benefits! The light and crispy snack is low in fat and packed with fibre, and is the perfect thing to munch on, especially when you’re watching TV or on the go.
Credit: Halal Korea on Facebook
Moreover, the original plain seaweed crisps (with no additional flavourings) are usually vegan-friendly. However, if you want to be certain, look for the Doldori brand (pictured), which has been deemed suitable for Muslim consumption by the Halal Korea Consumer's Union! Doldori's chips come in 4 flavours - honey butter, cheese, hot spicy, and wasabi - so you can have a snack for every craving. ?
Where to find them: Convenience stores, supermarkets, Namdaemun Market.
[P.S. Check these 12 halal marts in Korea to see what else you can find!]
2. Honey citron tea
Came down with a cold? Nothing warms you up like a cup of honey citron tea, traditionally used in Korean households as a common cold remedy! This aromatic tea feels like a warm embrace on a chilly rainy day and calms you down. Is the weather too hot? Make it iced instead.
The tea is commonly sold in a large jar, but there are sachet and capsule options nowadays. To prepare, just add hot or cold water to a spoonful (or more) of the sweet, thick and pulpy syrup. Citron tea typically contains a mixture of citrus, citrus peel, honey and sugar. Some brands that have received specific halal certification by the Indonesian Council of Ulama include MasilRaon, Namiro, and Ligaro.
Where to find them: Supermarkets
3. Ummappang Bread
The Halal Korea Consumers Union has paired up with a bakery company to create fully halal bread for Muslims in Korea!
Credit: Halal Korea on Facebook
While this does not mean that all other bread products are unsuitable for consumption, you can rest assured that this brand-new Ummappang has no ambiguous ingredients, and is manufactured in a Muslim-friendly environment with no cross-contamination. Ummappang (named after both the Korean 'umma' for 'mother' and the Muslim 'ummah') can now be found in halal marts in Myeongdong and Itaewon, so you can buy a loaf for breakfast!
#HHWT Tip: While this is the only bread brand formally endorsed by Halal Korea Consumers Union, do note that this does not mean all other bread products are unsuitable for consumption. We recommend you check the list of other products for ingredients such as lard or shortening, and dine at your discretion.
Where to find them: Halal marts in Itaewon and Myeongdong
4. Milkis
Have you ever wondered what carbonated milk tastes like? That’s exactly what Milkis is. Some call it a cross between soda and yoghurt, but it’s definitely nothing you’ve imagined.
Milkis is a product of Lotte Chilsung, a renowned South Korean beverage company, and received halal certification by Korea Muslim Federation in 2015. There are six flavours to choose from: strawberry, melon, banana, mango and orange.
Where to find them: Convenience stores, supermarkets, vending machines
Alternatively, you can buy your halal food souvenirs from Itaewon Foreign Mart! Everything here is sourced from halal-certified suppliers, so whether you're looking for ingredients to cook in your accommodation or simply some snacks to bring back home, this is the place to go!
Address: 137-8 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 10am-12am daily
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