Are you a Muslim traveler often faced with the challenge of finding halal food options when exploring new destinations? Many Muslim travelers face a similar dilemma, which limits their cultural experiences. They say food is the bridge to culture, but what happens when limited food options prevent you from fully immersing yourself in a beautiful culture? Most Muslim travelers visiting Korea are often unaware of the abundant Muslim-friendly dining options in the country that can enhance their cultural experience.

As a Korean culture enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for channels that showcase the vast landscape of Korea. That's how I discovered “Unnie From Seoul”, a unique channel that explores Muslim-friendly eating options in Seoul and around Korea. Unnie From Seoul is popular on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube and is adored by Muslim travelers for her unique finds. From authentic Korean cuisine like Korean BBQ to fried chicken and exploring the trendy cafe culture, Unnie does it all. She shares detailed food and location information, ensuring that Muslim travelers don’t limit themselves and can fully immerse themselves in Korea's rich cultural tapestry.

I decided to interview Unnie From Seoul because of her unique and invaluable contribution to the exploration of halal culinary options in Korea. Tips shared by Unnie From Seoul are crucial in bridging the gap for Muslim travelers, ensuring they have access to authentic Korean cuisine while adhering to halal dietary requirements.

The following interview was conducted via email from May 17th to May 26th.

1. Can you please introduce yourself?

Annyeong! I discover and share all things Muslim-friendly, from authentic Korean food and convenience store snacks to prayer rooms and masjid in Korea. I hope you get to enjoy Korea just like the locals do through my Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube videos

2. What inspired you to start your blog focused on Muslim-friendly dining options in Seoul?

I was born and raised in Korea; however, I have also had the opportunity to study abroad in several different cities, granting me exposure to countries outside of Korea. As a result, I have had the pleasure of meeting friends from all over the world, including Muslims. I have noticed that when my Muslim friends visit Korea, they often struggle to find halal food and end up frequenting the same halal restaurants in a particular district of Seoul. Most of these restaurants don't even serve Korean food, and even if they do, they lack the authentic local experience of dining with Koreans, as they primarily cater to Muslim travelers.

However, being a Korean who is familiar with the language and food culture, I know that there are plenty of Korean dishes with recipes that are Muslim-friendly. The challenge lies in finding restaurants that serve these dishes without the risk of cross-contamination with pork and alcohol, while also ensuring they use halal meat or seafood. I believe that if someone could discover authentic Korean restaurants, review their menus, speak with the owners, and confirm their Muslim-friendly status, many Muslim travelers could benefit from this and truly enjoy the authentic taste of Korean cuisine while adhering to their Islamic values and lifestyle.

This realization prompted me to embark on a search for restaurants in Korea where Muslim travelers can consider dining. I have been visiting various establishments and filming review videos to provide Muslim travelers with the information they need to make informed dining choices.

3. Could you share some insights into the process of discovering and reviewing  Muslim-friendly eateries in Seoul?

I dedicate a few hours to a few days searching for Muslim-friendly restaurants, going beyond simply looking for places labeled as "Halal restaurants," which can easily be found on Google. My goal is to find local Korean restaurants where the main clientele consists of Koreans, yet the establishment is pork-free and offers dishes without meat and alcohol. This approach allows Muslim travelers to enjoy an authentic local experience, savoring the same Korean food that locals consume, rather than being limited to dining at "Halal restaurants" primarily targeting foreign tourists.

To accomplish this, I first select a specific region and examine the menus of all the restaurants listed on Naver map to identify places that are pork-free. To ensure the restaurant is indeed pork-free and offers dishes free from meat and alcohol, I either call or direct message the establishment to double-check. Subsequently, I visit these restaurants, personally engage in conversation with the owner to confirm their practices, and film myself enjoying the food as an additional verification step.

4. Have you explored and covered Muslim-friendly dining options in other parts of Korea besides Seoul?

Yes, I have Muslim-friendly food recommendation videos from Suwon in Gyeonggi Province and Gangneung in Gangwon province, both of which are popular tourist destinations. I am planning to expand my exploration outside Seoul to introduce more Muslim-friendly options across Korea. My next destinations will likely be Jeju Island and Busan!

5. In your opinion, what sets Seoul apart as a destination for Muslim travelers seeking halal food options?

Seoul, as one of Asia's emerging global cities with a significant influx of Muslim travelers, offers a greater variety of Halal food options (both Halal certified and self-claimed Halal) compared to other regions in Korea. What I have observed is that the level of awareness regarding "Halal" among restaurant owners in Seoul is higher compared to other areas. In Itaewon, for instance, you can find "Muslim Street" with a multitude of Halal restaurants, while popular attractions like Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Nami Island also have several Halal restaurants catering to Muslim travelers.

However, it may be more challenging to find Halal restaurants in smaller cities outside of Seoul. This is precisely why I make an effort to discover "Muslim-friendly" restaurants that serve regular, authentic local Korean cuisine while providing a Muslim-friendly environment and adhering to Halal guidelines.

6. Can you share any memorable experiences or encounters you've had while exploring and reviewing Muslim-friendly restaurants in Seoul?

Most of the joyful moments occurred when I had the opportunity to meet my followers in person. Last year, in particular, I organized 12 rounds of the Unnie Muslim-friendly Food Tour. These tours involved spending almost an entire day exploring Seoul and visiting my favorite Muslim-friendly restaurants. It was during these tours that I was able to meet nearly a hundred followers, establish strong friendships, and gain insights into their struggles with finding Halal food in Korea. These experiences provided me with valuable information that has helped shape my future content.

Another source of joy comes from the appreciation expressed by local restaurant owners. I intentionally prioritize supporting local small businesses whenever possible. In most cases, these owners are initially unaware of who I am and only realize that their restaurants have been featured in my videos when they suddenly see a group of Muslim customers arriving. Some of these owners have reached out to me to express their gratitude for the exposure, and I am equally happy to have been able to introduce authentic food to my followers while supporting these small businesses.

7. How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of your recommendations for Muslim travelers and residents looking for halal dining options?

After going through the process of searching for Muslim-friendly restaurants, as described above, I always make it a point to mention in the caption of each video that followers should exercise their discretion when determining whether a place is Muslim-friendly or not. These establishments are often not Halal-certified or self-proclaimed Halal, which means there is a possibility that their menu or recipe may change after my visit. It is therefore the responsibility of my followers to double-check this information before ordering and consuming the food.

I consistently emphasize that my role is to discover more options for authentic Korean cuisine that my followers may have never considered ordering. Through the first-level screening I conduct, they can now explore these options. However, they need to exercise caution and verify the Muslim-friendly status of the restaurants before making their choices.

8. What impact do you hope to achieve through your blog?

My aim is to enhance the enjoyment and accessibility of travel in Korea for Muslim travelers, allowing them to experience the country just like the locals do. As a native Korean, I have a profound love for my country and the city I call home. I aspire to share the joy of various experiences, whether it be through food or sightseeing, with people from all corners of the globe. Most significantly, I hope to provide my Muslim friends with the opportunity to have these experiences while upholding their Islamic values and maintaining their preferred lifestyles.

9. Have you noticed any emerging trends or shifts in the availability and accessibility of halal dining options in Seoul in recent years?

I have observed a gradual yet consistent rise in the number of Halal restaurants emerging in Seoul. In just the past year, I have noticed the opening of several new Halal restaurants that serve both Korean and non-Korean cuisines. These establishments are strategically located, offering easy accessibility for travelers.

10. What advice would you give to Muslim travelers visiting Seoul for the first time, particularly in terms of navigating the halal food scene?

What I have observed from my interactions with Muslim individuals who wish to visit Korea is that they are concerned about finding Halal food in Korea. I believe this concern is valid, especially when searching for Halal-certified or self-proclaimed halal restaurants, as they can be difficult to find.

My recommendation is not to hesitate to seek assistance from the owner or even a random passerby to help with menu translations. While some people may not be familiar with the term Halal and its specific requirements, most will gladly assist you if you inquire about the presence of pork dishes or cooking alcohol in the food. By asking these questions, you can use your discretion to determine if the restaurant is Muslim-friendly and enjoy a wider range of options to savor local delicacies.

11. Finally, how do you envision the future of halal dining in Seoul, and what role do you see your blog playing in promoting and advocating for Muslim-friendly food options?

As someone who shares a passion for travel, I believe it is important for everyone to have the opportunity to explore the world and experience the daily lives of locals. By immersing yourself in the culture of a city, interacting with its people, and embracing everything it has to offer, you can truly have a transformative travel experience. Through my social media channel, I aim to showcase the authentic, local aspects of Korea that Muslim travelers can enjoy without any restrictions.

I also believe that the more I promote this authentic experience, the more Muslims will benefit and become interested in visiting Korea. This, in turn, will have a positive impact on the halal dining scene in Korea, as there will be an increasing demand from Muslim travelers. Ultimately, this creates a win-win situation for both Muslim travelers and the Korean tourism industry, and I am delighted to contribute to this positive development.

Insights from Unnie from Seoul have provided invaluable knowledge, offering a deeper understanding of the vast and diverse cultural landscape of Korea. Through her exploration of Muslim-friendly eating options, Unnie has showcased the inclusive and welcoming nature of Korean cuisine and culture. Any doubts we had about food options have now been significantly diminished. These insights not only broaden our perspective but also inspire and encourage our audience to hasten their travel plans and explore the country in the most enriching and immersive way possible.