Seoul is a city that evokes a sense of amazement for the senses, with the buzzing blend of technology combined effortlessly with the tremendous rhythm of traditions. I travelled to this South Korean capital city in December 2023, just as winter engulfed it in a dazzling mantle.
Picture this: vibrant street vendors gathering Korean delights and hidden halal gems waiting to be discovered. My journey was not just a holiday but an immersive adventure of culture, warmth, and experiencing the gourmet of Korean food, particularly as a Muslim traveller seeking the balance of halal delights in the dazzling cityscape.
Halal oasis amidst the urban buzz
Welcomed in Seoul’s wintry grasp, I absorbed myself in the vibrant energy of Myeong-dong, the heart of Seoul, particularly when the nights drew in as the street vendors appeared to cook you a fresh dish of Korea’s finest meal. And they had some of the best food on offer. Tucked away amongst the busy streets were also those looking for halal cuisine. And that was the surprise. There was plenty on offer on the streets, along with your choice of restaurant.
As a Muslim traveller, having travelled all over the world and eating the finest food, 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.” I told him firstly that had never stopped me from travelling before, and, if all fails, there are always seafood and vegetarian options.
Diverse delights on the streets of Myeong-dong
That’s not an uncommon question to ask either about what you will eat because the worry for a lot of Muslims travelling is food. If you’re like one of my cousins who travelled with me to New York back in 2013, he was craving meat after a couple of days and even said to me, “I need my chicken and meat – I can’t go two weeks just eating rabbit food, especially as we are walking around like ants burning the weight off.” We eventually found places to eat, and he eased into eating like a vegetarian as well.
He would have loved Seoul – just walking around, the aroma of sizzling bulgogi wafted through the air, intertwining with the fragrant spices of halal delights. Myeong-dong seamlessly evolved into a spectacle of diversity, delivering an array of cuisines – from exquisite kebabs to sizzling plates of bibimbap to my personal favourite as I’ve eaten it in the U.K., the spicy pickled kimchi.
I was also able to try out some of the international foods like Nepalese, Mexican, and Indian, as there were a few halal options for those. What I really indulged myself in eating was succulent fried chicken with a blend of Korean kick. They all had an element of Korean taste to it. The halal selections were nothing short of remarkable.
Politeness and Warmth
While navigating the crowded streets, I discovered that the price of halal food, while slightly elevated, reflected the effort and commitment put into bringing these delicious food to Seoul. The suppliers often import halal meat and poultry, albeit at a cost. Nevertheless, the generosity of spirit I encountered made every extra worth spent worthwhile. And it answered my uncle’s question, whether there was anything to eat.
I adored what was presented to me, and every swallow exposed a display of tastes, indicating Seoul’s commitment to embracing worldwide cuisines while honouring its profound, deep food heritage. As Seoul is often unexplored by Muslims from the U.K. and not commonly known here for its Muslim-friendly cuisine, it has unravelled itself as a haven for Muslim tourists.
Connecting beyond barriers
Stepping into this city, not only did I find a feast for my taste buds, but I found a lovely embrace from the residents – and real love for their culture. Despite the language barrier, the locals emitted warmth, politeness, and interest and even went as far as complimenting my physical appearance, which I was taken aback by.
I encountered genuine curiosity about my culture, with the interest being what it was like having grown up in the U.K. with a Bengali heritage, which enabled a connection that transcended linguistic differences.
Vincent and Sejong Food Culture Street
To accentuate the cultural welcome, a chance encounter with a local, Vincent (his anglicised name), transformed my Seoul experience into a narrative of genuine Korean hospitality. Vincent, embodying the ethos of his culture, insisted on treating me to dinner, an act of kindness that resonated with the very soul of Seoul and the Korean people. At first, I said I couldn’t accept him treating me, as he had only met me 20 minutes prior. But, I realised it was the Korean way of welcoming me into the country, so I accepted.
We ventured to Sejong Food Culture Street, a food sanctuary where locals submerge to eat their meals. Vincent and I found a local halal place and ordered a delicious stir-fried chicken known as Dak Galbi. It is a communal dinner served tableside on a big cast iron pan, which was a novelty for me as it was a first in terms of dining experience. We toasted the evening with a local traditional drink known as soju, which Vincent drank, and I drank coke, as I don’t drink, to embrace our new friendship. Vincent even told me, “If you have any problems in Korea, you can call me at any time,” a testament to him and Korean culture – a dedication to preserving traditions while embracing the global palette.
A halal haven unveiled
Seoul is more than just a city; it’s a collection of experiences waiting to be explored. As a Muslim tourist, you will be at your comfort spot with the city’s halal food offers, along with the warmth of its people and the magnificence of its scenery. There has been steady growth in Muslim travellers over the last decade, with countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia playing a part in 5% of its total tourism income a year. But that number will surely rise with more awareness of how Muslim-friendly they are.
This city has cemented its place in my heart as a location that caters to different tastes and welcomes every tourist with open arms no matter what background—debunking any myths about the country as a whole.
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Shebs Alom
Shebs is a Broadcaster, writer and Podcaster. He is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers. He’s hosted a breakfast called Rise & Shine on the only dedicated travel radio station in Africa, Gallivant Radio. Shebs also hosts a travel podcast, Take a Wander With Shebs, which can be seen on his YouTube channel and heard on all major podcasting platforms. Shebs is also the Editor & Commercial Officer for Voyagers Voice. He also runs Shebs The Wanderer Ltd.