In South Korea, the Muslim population has been growing since the introduction of the Islamic faith shortly after the Korean War. The Muslim for both Korean and foreign born community is stayed around Seoul, where the first large 20th-century mosque was built in 1976 using the funds of the Malaysian Islamic Mission and other Islamic countries.In 1962, the Malaysian government offered a grant of US$ 33,000 for a mosque to be built in Seoul. However, the plan was derailed due to inflation. During 1970s, when South Korea's economic ties with many Middle Eastern countries became prominent, that interest in Islam began to rise again. Some Koreans working in Saudi Arabia converted to Islam and back to Korea after completed their labour.
In addition to fewer than 30,000 indigenous Korean Muslims, there has been a slow but evident growth of South Asian, Middle Eastern (i.e. Iraqi), Indonesia and Malaysian immigration to South Korea, the majority being Muslims, during the 1990s and 2000s, usually arriving as guest workers to the country. In total, there are up to 35,000 Muslims in South Korea.
Now there are more than 10 mosques and 40 prayer centers throughout the country.
For sure, when Muslims visit Korea, they will wondering where to take halal foods. To make their stay in Korea more comfortable, here are some restaurant or places recommended~
1. Al-Saba Restaurant
The restaurant specializes in lamb dishes, curry, and chicken dishes.
Address : 34-50 Itaewon 1(il)-dong Yongsan-gu Seoul South Korea
2. Ashoka Restaurant
The first Indian restaurant to open in Korea.
Address: 3rd Flr, Hamilton Hotel, Itaewon, Seoul.
3. Murree Restaurant
The restaurant specializes in Lamb Dishes, curry, and chicken dishes.
From Itaewon-ro, take right up the hill and take left. Murree is on the right side of the road. Up a bit is the mosque.
4. Mr. Kebab
Turkish Cuisine
Address: 127-2, Itaewon-1-Dong, YongsanGu, Seoul.
5. Foreign Restaurant
The restaurant having the menu included chicken and mutton and salad.
Address: 136-45, Itaewon Dong,. Yongsangu, Seoul.
Here are the Seoul Central Masjid, Islamic restaurants, and Vegetarian Restaurants recommended by Korean Tourism Organization :
sources from: http://emilayusof.com/2011/07/muslim-restaurants-in-korea/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_Korea
http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/muslims-in-south-korea/
Posted by: JY
