South Korea enhances Muslim-friendly travel with halal cuisine and prayer facilities
South Korea is no longer known solely for K-pop, dramas, or beauty trends. The country is also building a reputation as a more welcoming destination for Muslim tourists, including Indonesian visitors whose numbers grow annually.
This effort is demonstrated through a collaboration between the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and Indonesian modest fashion brand Buttonscarves, promoting Muslim-friendly travel in South Korea.
KTO has highlighted facilities increasingly accessible to Muslim travellers, from halal restaurants to prayer spaces in public areas.
“Tourists can now more easily find halal food, Muslim-friendly restaurants, and prayer facilities at popular destinations across South Korea,” Novi said in Jakarta on Friday, 22 May 2026.
Beyond prayer facilities, Muslim-friendly culinary options in South Korea are also expanding. Novi explained that restaurants in South Korea now categorise services for Muslim travellers into several types.
Halal-certified restaurants have received official certification from bodies such as the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF). Self-certified establishments are Muslim-owned and declare all their menus halal.
Muslim-friendly restaurants typically offer some halal options despite serving alcohol, while pork-free establishments do not use pork in their dishes.
Alongside K-food and K-wave, other tourism themes such as family-friendly, sports, medical wellness, and Muslim-friendly travel are also being promoted to Indonesian tourists.
Another highlighted development is the widening availability of prayer facilities in South Korea. Previously, prayer spaces were primarily associated with large mosques in specific cities, but they are now increasingly present in public areas and tourist destinations.
KTO has highlighted locations with prayer facilities, such as Lotte World and COEX in Seoul. Similar facilities are now available in hotels, shopping centres, and several universities.
Additionally, Busan’s Al-Fatih Mosque serves as a hub for the Muslim community in the port city. In Jeonju, the renovated Jeonju Mosque, reopened in 2024, is once again active and a key stop for Muslim travellers.
The provision of prayer facilities is part of South Korea’s efforts to ensure Muslim travellers feel comfortable during their trips without the hassle of finding prayer spaces en route.