[UPDATED 4 Dec 2019] If there’s one thing we love most about Korea, it has to be the food! Thanks to the rise of Muslim-friendly restaurants in recent years, it’s easier to find halal Korean food in Korea these days. Whether it’s juicy and tender beef bulgogi or crispy Korean fried chicken, there’s nothing like the gastronomic treat of Korean cuisine ? Credit: giphy If you’re travelling on a budget and looking for some money-saving tips, the good thing is you can find affordable halal Korean food in Korea. To help you decide which dishes won’t break your budget, here’s a list of 11 halal dishes in Korea you have to try (under 15,000KRW)! #HHWT Tip: Planning your Korea trip? Come and discover Korea your way on Korea Tourism Organization's (Malaysia) website!
Seoul:
1. Korean fried chicken from Makan Halal Restaurant
Korean fried chicken is unlike any other fried chicken - it’s fried twice so there’s a certain crunch to it and the sauce makes all the difference. Trust us when we say that the fried chicken (dakganjeong) at Makan Restaurant is to die for! The chicken is fried to a perfect crisp then coated with a sweet and spicy sauce that makes it so succulent. The chicken soaks up all the flavour of the sauce, making every bite a heavenly treat ? Price: from 10,000KRW Halal status: Halal-certified Opening hours: 10.30AM-10PM (closed on Tue) Address: 52 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea Contact: +82 2-6012-2231 Facebook | Instagram P.S. In Seoul and finding halal eateries? Check out our guide of 9 halal restaurants you must try in Seoul!
BONUS: Korean fried chicken from Kampungku
2. Kimchi jjigae from Murree
3. Bibimbap from Hajj Korea Halal Food
A wholesome mix of beef or chicken bulgogi, vegetables, mushrooms, egg then topped with gochujang (red chilli paste), there’s nothing quite like bibimbap (Korean mixed rice)! For many Koreans, bibimbap is a dish where they’d make when they have leftover side dishes and hence, it reminds them of the taste of home. When all the ingredients are mixed together, the combination of flavours is perfect. The best part is, the chef at Hajj is a Korean Muslim lady so you can expect only the most authentic taste when you dine here! Price: 10,000KRW Halal status: Muslim-owned Opening hours: Open daily; 10AM-2AM Address: 39, Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Contact: +82 2-749-5185 Website | Instagram#HHWT Tip: If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, we’ve got you covered with our 6D5N Muslim-friendly itinerary of Seoul, Gyeonggi-do and Incheon!
4. Beef bulgogi from Eid Halal Korean Food
It’s hard to resist the allure of thinly shaved beef slices marinated in a sweet and savoury sauce and then grilled to perfection! But before you even savour that slice of yummy beef, the sizzling sound of grilled meat and the aromatic whiff is enough to make your mouth water. The beef bulgogi set at EID is one of the top favourites among Muslim travellers. Served with seaweed soup and side dishes, you're bound to have a hearty meal! If you don't mind spending a bit more, the samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) is a satisfying and refreshing treat too. Price: 10,000KRW Halal status: Halal-certified Address: 67 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 11.30AM-9PM (closed on Mon) Contact: +82 70-8899-8210 Facebook | Instagram
5. Tteokbokki from Manis Kitchen
6. Combo platter from The Halal Guys
Nami Island:
7. Dakgalbi from Namisum Kkokko Chuncheon Dakgalbi (남이섬꼬꼬춘천닭갈비)
Not many restaurants serve halal dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) in Korea so if you’re heading to Nami Island, you have to make a stop at Namisum Kkokko Chuncheon Dakgalbi! Here’s your chance to be your own chef and stir-fry chunks of marinated chicken mixed with other ingredients and gochujang sauce on a sizzling hot pan. We’re pretty sure all that cooking will leave you famished but nothing is more rewarding than eating a meal that you’ve prepared yourself ? The good thing about this eatery is that you can choose your preferred spice level, so you don’t have to worry about having to burn your taste buds. The scrumptious meal will definitely satisfy all your chicken cravings! P.S. Do note that you’ll need to order at least 2 servings at Namisum Kkokko Chuncheon Dakgalbi. Price: 12,000KRW per serving Halal status: Muslim-friendly menu available with halal-certified chicken. Do note that other non-halal meats are served but prepared separately. Reservation is required for halal menu. Alcohol is served in establishment. We advise you to dine at your own discretion. Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 9AM-9PM, Sat-Sun; 9AM-10PM Address: 1045, Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gyeonggi-do (located in front of Gapyeong Ferry Terminal which is the terminal to get to Nami Island) Contact: +82 31-581-2127 #HHWT Tip: Visiting Nami Island? Check out our Muslim-friendly guide to conquer Nami Island like a pro!
Busan:
8. Daegutang from Goma Daegutang (고마대구탕)
Busan is known for its fresh seafood so you definitely have to savour it when you’re there! One of the most popular dishes that Busan is known for is daegutang or cod fish stew. While many Korean stews use kimchi, daegutang consists of just cod fish and vegetables. As the broth is really light on the palate, you’ll be able to taste the freshness of the cod fish. This certainly makes for a refreshing meal, definitely something you’d want to eat after a long day of being out and about! It’s both healthy and yummy so be sure to try it ? Price: 10,000KRW Halal status: Only seafood is sold in establishment. No alcohol or animal derivatives used in preparation of the soup. Alcohol may be sold in establishment and we recommend that you dine at your own discretion. Opening hours: Open daily; 7AM-9PM Address: 127, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan Contact: +81 51-626-3330
9. Chicken kebab from Cappadocia
Turkish food is always a good halal option if you need a break from all the Korean food you’ll be having on your trip. Thankfully, there’s a halal Turkish restaurant in Busan too, Cappadocia. Located right beside the Busan Mosque in the Namsan-dong area, Cappadocia makes for a convenient stop after your prayers. Fill your tummy with some of their grilled items like Chicken Shish Kebab! It might be rare to find an authentic Turkish eatery in Busan, but this one tastes exactly like the ones in Turkey. If you need another affordable option, get their Cheese Pide (Turkish pizza). Imagine soft and warm flatbread with cheese - it doesn’t get any better than this! Price: 11,000KRW (both chicken kebab and cheese pide) Halal status: Halal-certified Opening hours: Open daily; 11.30AM-10PM Address: 123-9, Geumdan-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan Contact: +82 51-515-5981 P.S. Find more Muslim-friendly eateries in Busan with our list!
Jeju:
10. Grilled mackerel from Uribong Sikdang (우리봉 식당)
Besides Busan, Jeju is another place that you have to try fresh seafood and Uribong Sikdang (우리봉 식당) is one of the places which is popular with Muslim travellers! They have a range of exquisite seafood dishes like cutlassfish or abalone hotpot but one of the more affordable options is the grilled mackerel. Korean grilled mackerel is usually lightly salted and then grilled or pan-fried. It might be a simple meal with rice and side dishes but trust us, it’ll be so satisfying! After you’re done enjoying the fresh mackerel, you can do your prayers at their prayer room in the eatery itself! Price: 15,000KRW Halal status: Only seafood dishes sold, no alcohol/meat is used in preparation of dishes. Alcohol is served in establishment, so do dine at your own discretion. Prayer facilities in establishment. Opening hours: Open daily; 8AM-10PM Address: 273, Ilchul-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do Contact: +82 64-782-0032 P.S. Wondering where else you can eat in Jeju? Here’s a list of 8 must-try Muslim-friendly eateries in Jeju!
11. Seafood hotpot from Bada Punggyeong (바다풍경횟집)
You can’t leave Jeju without trying seafood hotpot! Head to Bada Punggyeong (바다풍경) for their abalone seafood hotpot! Consisting of abalone, mussels, clams and other seafood in kimchi broth, this one’s for all you seafood lovers. Your seafood stew will arrive piping hot and once the broth soaks up all the flavours of the seafood, you won’t be able to get enough of it. If you can afford to spend a bit more, we recommend getting the braised mackerel stew (29,000KRW) which has a thicker broth and perfect for sharing. Fun fact: Most abalones in Jeju are caught by the skilfull haenyeo women divers who dive in the open water without using any oxygen masks!
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