Halal Korean Food in Seoul: 5 Legit Spots Muslims Trust (Myeongdong, Hongdae, Itaewon, Sinchon)

If you’re planning Halal Muslim Korea travel, the biggest stress is usually simple:
“Can I eat real Korean food in Seoul without guessing ingredients?”

Good news: you can. Below are 5 legit spots (Myeongdong, Hongdae, Itaewon, Sinchon) where Muslim travelers consistently go for Korean classics—from bulgogi and samgyetang to halal jjajangmyeon and Korean fried chicken.

All Halal-certified!

Halal-Certified Korean Restaurants in Seoul

If you want Halal-certified Korean food that actually feels like what locals eat, Here is the list:

• Myeongdong: Busan Jib (classic Korean menu variety)

• Hongdae: BSJ Chicken (halal chicken + rare halal jjajangmyeon)

• Itaewon: Yell-O Chicken (halal-certified Korean fried chicken near the mosque area)

• Hongdae: Seouliya (casual, approachable Korean meals)

• Sinchon: Gosame (local-style grilled fish + classic Korean set meals vibe)

Before You Go:
Halal-Certified vs Halal-Friendly in Korea

In Seoul, you’ll commonly see a few different “halal” signals. Knowing the difference helps you travel with confidence.

Common categories you’ll encounter

• Halal-certified: The restaurant holds an official certification from a recognized halal authority.

• Halal-managed / halal-focused: The restaurant operates with clear halal practices (often Muslim-owned/operated or specialized), but certification status may vary by branch or menu.

• Muslim-friendly / pork-free: May avoid pork but could still use non-halal broth bases, shared kitchens, or alcohol in cooking.

To reduce guesswork even more, use KoreHalal Map + KoreHalal Trip to check nearby restaurants and prayer spots before you leave your hotel.

5 Legit Halal-Certified Korean Restaurants in Seoul (Detailed Guide)

Below, you’ll find each restaurant’s best dishes, vibe, who it’s best for, and practical travel notes—plus a “how locals describe it” section so you know what kind of experience you’re walking into.

1) Busan Jib (Myeongdong) — The Famous “Real Korean Menu” Halal Stop

From 4:55

Busan Jib in Myeongdong is widely known among Muslim travelers as one of the most reliable places to try “proper Korean meals” in the middle of Seoul’s busiest tourist district.

• It’s popular specifically because it offers everyday Korean dishes—the kind many Koreans actually eat regularly.

• Many travelers accept that it can be a bit pricey, but consider it reasonable because halal compliance takes extra effort in sourcing and preparation.

What to order (Top picks)

• Bulgogi (불고기) – sweet-salty, classic, easy for first-timers

• Samgyetang (삼계탕) – ginseng chicken soup; comforting and filling

• Yukhoe (육회) – Korean beef tartare (for adventurous eaters)

• Dolsot Bibimbap (돌솥비빔밥) – sizzling stone pot rice + veg + sauce

• Tteokbokki (떡볶이) + Gyeran-jjim (계란찜) – great add-ons to share

• Doenjang-jjigae (된장찌개), Sundubu-jjigae (순두부찌개)

• Naengmyeon (냉면), Ramyeon (라면)

• Porridge options (abalone porridge / vegetable porridge)

• Seafood-style Korean dishes like haemultang (해물탕) and Korean pancake styles (전/지짐이)

Evaluation

Koreans would describe this style as:

• “찐 한식” (real-deal Korean food)

• A place where you can try daily Korean comfort dishes rather than just “tourist food”

• Best for: first-timers, families, anyone who wants variety in one place

• Best time: slightly off-peak (before lunch rush or early dinner)

• Area bonus: Myeongdong is extremely walkable, so this can be a convenient “reset meal” between shopping and sightseeing.

Busan Jib Myeongdong (부산집)
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2) BSJ Chicken (Hongdae) — Halal Korean Chicken + Rare Halal Jjajangmyeon

from 11:40

BSJ Chicken is connected to the Busan Jib story—Hongdae’s branch evolved and rebranded, leaning into a younger, more casual menu for Hongdae’s vibe.

• It’s a go-to because you can enjoy Korean comfort foods in a lively area, and it’s designed to feel accessible to international visitors.

• The standout feature: halal jjajangmyeon—rare in Seoul because jjajang sauce in many places uses pork-based ingredients.

What to order (Top picks)

• Fried Chicken (후라이드 치킨) – classic crispy

• Yangnyeom Chicken (양념치킨) – sweet-spicy glaze Koreans love

• Soy Garlic Chicken (간장마늘치킨) – popular for a less spicy option

• Halal Jjajangmyeon (할랄 짜장면) – must-try because it’s hard to find done properly

• Sundubu-jjigae (순두부찌개) or Japchae (잡채) – great to balance chicken-heavy meals

Evaluation

This is the “Hongdae energy” version of Korean food—Koreans would call it:

• Fits younger tastes

• Great for groups who want shareable comfort food and variety

Hongdae is one of the best places in Seoul to spend an entire afternoon and night:

• Eat → explore street performances → shopping → cafes → photo booths → nightlife vibes
  So if you’re building a Muslim-friendly route, BSJ Chicken works as a strong anchor meal.

• Best for: friends, couples, travelers who want Korean food + culture in one area

• Spice note: if you’re not sure, ask which chicken is mild—there are usually non-spicy options.

BSJ Chicken Hongdae
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3) Yell-O Chicken (Itaewon) — Halal-Certified Korean Fried Chicken Near the Mosque Area

If Korean fried chicken is on your must-eat list—and it should be—Yell-O Chicken is one of the most convenient, Muslim-traveler-friendly choices in Itaewon.

• Itaewon is the classic neighborhood for Muslim travel convenience (near the Seoul Central Mosque area).

• Yell-O is widely recognized as a fully halal option, and it’s built around chicken—simple, clear, and satisfying.

How to order (simple, no-stress)

Choose three things:

1. Chicken or wings

2. Size (S or L)

3. Flavor

Popular flavors to try:

• Crispy Fried (classic)

• Spicy Hot (for heat lovers)

• Sweet & Spicy (Korean-style crowd favorite)

• Honey Butter (sweet-savory, very “Korean trend”)

Evaluation

Koreans often describe great chicken as:

• “겉바속촉” (crispy outside, juicy inside)
  That’s the texture people chase when they crave K-chicken.

We recommend you to

• Order 2–3 flavors (one classic, one spicy, one sweet)

• Share it family-style in your hotel or at the restaurant

Bonus: KoreHalal Delivery (Right into your hotel room!)

Don’t want to go out after a long tour day?
KoreHalal Trip also offers KoreHalal Delivery options in Seoul—so you can enjoy halal food (including Yell-O Chicken) as an easy hotel meal plan. This is especially helpful for:

• families with kids

• travelers landing late

• anyone who prefers to eat after prayer without rushing

Yell-O Chicken Itaewon
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Delivery order

4) Seouliya (Hongdae) — Casual Halal Korean Meals for an Easy First Experience

Seouliya is a great option when you want Korean food that feels casual, approachable, and not intimidating—especially for first-time visitors who want something familiar in format (rice bowls, noodles, simple meals).

• It’s positioned as a halal Korean food spot in a very convenient Hongdae location.

• The menu leans into chicken-based dishes and comforting options.

What to order (Top picks)

• Chicken fried rice (닭고기 볶음밥)

• Chicken rice bowl / deopbap (닭고기 덮밥)

• Chicken kimchi-jjim (닭고기 김치찜) – rich, warming

• Seafood dolsot rice (해물 돌솥밥)

• Kalguksu / noodle soup (해물 칼국수) or Seoul chicken noodle (서울 닭국수)

Evaluation

• Casual Korean Food

• Great when you want Korean flavors but prefer a simpler, lighter format.

• Best for: lunch, quick meals between sightseeing, picky eaters, first-timers

• If you’re building a day in Hongdae, Seouliya fits perfectly as an easy stop before shopping or cafes.

Seouliya Hongdae (서울이야)
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5) Gosame (Sinchon) — A Local-Style Korean Meal Experience (Grilled Fish + Set Meals Vibe)

If you want to eat the kind of meal Korean locals actually love—especially in a university neighborhood—Gosame in Sinchon is a strong pick.

Gosame isn’t just “popular online”—it’s repeatedly been recognized as a true local favorite across YouTube, including smaller, independent channels where recommendations feel more organic (not like paid promotions). It’s also the kind of place that gets validated in the most authentic way: when people casually ask locals on the street where to eat, Gosame still comes up as a recommendation.

In other words, the hype isn’t manufactured—Gosame has built its reputation through real word-of-mouth, the kind that matters most when you’re looking for a genuinely local Korean meal experience.

• Sinchon has a real “Seoul daily life” energy (university area, busy streets, lots to do).

• Gosame is famous for grilled fish and hearty Korean set meals—many reviews highlight value and portion size.

What to order (Top picks)

• Grilled mackerel (고등어구이) – a Korean classic

• Grilled Spanish mackerel (삼치구이)

• Stir-fried squid (오징어볶음) – smoky “fire taste” style

• Bulgogi (소불고기)

• Doenjang stew (된장찌개) / Sundubu stew (순두부찌개)

Evaluation

This place fits for someone who is looking for Korean Local place!

If you’re 2 people:

• Get 1 grilled fish + 1 spicy stir-fry (squid)

• Add rice + stew
  This gives you a full Korean meal experience without over-ordering.

• Best for: travelers who want “local Seoul” vibes, university neighborhood exploring

• Area bonus: Sinchon is full of cafes, shopping, and streets that feel more “everyday Korea” than tourist zones.

Gosame Sinchon (고삼이)
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Suggested 2–3 Day Food Plan (So You Don’t Waste Travel Time)

Day 1 (Central Seoul)

• Myeongdong: Busan Jib for classic Korean variety

Day 2 (Youth culture day)

• Hongdae: BSJ Chicken (add the halal jjajangmyeon)

• If you want something lighter earlier: Seouliya for lunch, BSJ for dinner

Day 3 (Mosque area + comfort meal)

• Itaewon: Yell-O Chicken (especially after mosque-area plans)

• If you still have time: head to Sinchon for Gosame-style local comfort food

Make Seoul Easier With KoreHalal Map (Food + Prayer Spots in One Place)

A smooth Muslim-friendly Korea trip isn’t just about food—it’s also about prayer timing and location planning.

That’s why KoreHalal Trip includes a map-based approach:

• Halal & halal-friendly restaurants

• Masjid / mosque locations

• Prayer rooms / musalla

• Practical “what’s near me” planning so you don’t zig-zag across the city

If you’re building a Seoul itinerary, use KoreHalal Map to:

• choose a neighborhood (Myeongdong/Hongdae/Itaewon/Sinchon)

• save restaurants + prayer spots

• plan a realistic route (especially helpful for families)

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find halal Korean food in Seoul?

A: No—While there are many halal restaurants in Korea, there are very limited place for Halal-Korean food. Here are the lists of halal-certified Korean food Restaurants.

• Myeongdong: Busan Jib (classic Korean menu variety)

• Hongdae: BSJ Chicken (halal chicken + rare halal jjajangmyeon)

• Itaewon: Yell-O Chicken (halal-certified Korean fried chicken near the mosque area)

• Hongdae: Seouliya (casual, approachable Korean meals)

• Sinchon: Gosame (local-style grilled fish + classic Korean set meals vibe)

Q: Where can I find halal Korean fried chicken in Seoul?

A: Itaewon is the easiest base area, and Yell-O Chicken is one of the most searched and trusted options for halal Korean-style fried chicken. You can also order it with delivery service here: Yell-O Chicken Delivery

Q: Where can I find halal jjajangmyeon in Seoul?

A: It’s rare because jjajang is often pork-based in many places, but BSJ Chicken (Hongdae) is known for offering a halal version that Muslim travelers specifically seek out.

Q: What area should I stay in for halal food access?

• Want mosque-area convenience? Itaewon

• Want central shopping + easy navigation? Myeongdong

• Want youth culture + lots of activities? Hongdae

• Want local Seoul vibes? Sinchon

Q: Can I get halal food delivered to my hotel in Seoul?

A: Yes—this is where KoreHalal Delivery can be a game-changer, especially after long tour days or for families.

Final Tip

Seoul is absolutely doable for Muslim travelers—especially when you plan your meals and prayer stops before you leave your accommodation.

Here’s the simplest next step:

• Download KoreHalal Trip before you arrive so you can quickly find halal food + prayer places while exploring.

• Prefer relaxing nights in? Use KoreHalal Delivery in Seoul (including halal chicken options like Yell-O Chicken) for an easy hotel meal plan.

• Want a stress-free itinerary with halal meals and prayer timing built in? Contact KoreHalal Trip for custom Muslim-friendly tours, private transfers, and tailored travel support.