Why South Korea is Becoming a Top Halal Travel Choice in Asia

With its fantastic rhythm of traditions and its frenetic combination of technology, South Korea is a country that astonishes the senses for halal-conscious travellers.

In our previously published piece, in which I spoke about the B2B of how Halal Travel Network (HTN) can help businesses cater to halal-conscious travellers, South Korea is becoming an emerging nation for Muslims. Let's dive deeper into why Korea is perfect to travel to in the Far East.

I travelled to South Korea in December 2023, just as winter engulfed it in a dazzling mantle of snow. As a halal-conscious traveller, I have eaten the finest food all around the world, and I was astounded by the abundance of halal options. Before I left for Korea, one of my uncles asked me, "What will you eat there? They don't cater for people like us." He couldn't have been more wrong. 

Consider this: lively street sellers selling Korean delicacies and hidden halal treasures waiting to be discovered. My trip was more than a holiday; it was an immersion in culture, activity, and kindness.

KTO Initiatives – Enhancing South Korea's Muslim-Friendly Infrastructure

There has been a steady growth in halal-conscious travellers over the last decade (photo: Shebs Alom)

The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) has been making serious moves to ensure South Korea is a more inclusive and accessible destination for halal-conscious travellers. In 2016, KTO's President, Jung Chang-Soo, stressed the country's need to step up its tourism game, stating, "It is urgent to sharpen the competitiveness of the whole tourism industry in order to leap forward again."

Since then, as recently as May 2024, there has been steady growth in halal-conscious travellers over the last decade since KTO's President suggested they needed to do more. Countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia contribute 5% of the total tourism income a year. But that number will surely rise with more awareness of how Muslim-friendly they are. 

KTO has launched several initiatives tailored to Muslim visitors. One of the most practical steps has been categorising restaurants into four groups—Halal Certified, Self Certified, Muslim Friendly, and Pork-free—making it easier for travellers to find food that aligns with their dietary needs. Approximately 75% of these are located outside Seoul, ensuring wider accessibility for halal-conscious travellers.

Prayer Facilities and Cultural Education for Tourism

KTO is educating & running training programmes for businesses (photo: Shebs Alom)

Beyond that, businesses have been encouraged to set up prayer rooms, and hotels have started providing guests with prayer mats and Qibla compasses. According to recent data from last year, South Korea currently has 28 prayer rooms available for Muslim travellers: 11 at major tourist spots, two at airports, and 15 managed by local Islamic communities. 

But KTO isn’t stopping at just facilities. They’ve also been working on education and running training programmes for travel agents and tour guides to deepen their understanding of Muslim customs and expectations. The goal? To ensure that halal-conscious travellers feel not just accommodated but genuinely welcomed.

All of this points to a growing effort to make South Korea a destination where Muslim travellers can confidently explore, knowing their needs are being recognised and respected.

What Draws Muslim Travellers to South Korea

Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan – Machu Picchu & Santorini of Korea (photo: Shebs Alom)

I spotted several halal-conscious travellers, most of whom were families. Many came from the Muslim-majority region of Southeast Asia. I questioned a Singaporean family in Busan, the second largest city outside of Seoul, about their reasons for wanting to explore Korea. The father replied, "It was somewhere we wanted to travel to as a family, and we knew a place like Busan was friendly and safe for our kids, go to the beach, shop, and with plenty of halal food options."  

Three Indonesian sisters shared, ‘We felt safe here, especially as hijabi women. In some places, we worry about mistreatment, but not in Korea.” Openness, friendliness, safety, and knowing there are choices for food are essential while selecting a getaway.

I also encountered a sincere interest in my culture, mainly in what it was like to grow up in the UK with Bengali heritage. This allowed for a connection that went beyond language barriers.

Creating a Welcoming Environment

Many fine halal restaurants in Korea (photo: Shebs Alom)

Beyond food and prayer spaces, South Korea’s approach to inclusivity extends to leisure and transport. For example, I experienced Spa Land in Busan, which provides everyone with outfits and access to a four-hour sanctuary where luxury and recuperation blend perfectly. The receptionist told me, "Separate pools for men and women,” which, for many halal-conscious travellers, is an essential element of enjoying the facilities.  

Then, there's the transportation, which includes the KTX Train, the iconic engine that smoothly travels from Seoul to Busan. Taking the bullet train from the capital was an exhilarating adventure over South Korea's gorgeous landscapes, which had spectacular skylines, in just a few hours, making your holiday somewhat marvellous. 

Clearly, South Korea isn’t just making small changes—it’s working to create a genuinely inclusive environment for Muslims. With these ongoing efforts, the country is positioning itself as a top choice for halal-conscious travellers looking for a seamless and welcoming experience.