Halal food in Busan follows Islamic dietary guidelines, meaning it must be free from pork, alcohol, blood, and other prohibited ingredients, while meat must be slaughtered according to Shariah law (dhabihah). South Korea is a non-Muslim majority country, therefore halal food is less common compared to Muslim destinations. But it is still available in Busan. Travelers can find halal-certified restaurants mainly around popular areas such as Haeundae, Seomyeon, and Nampo-dong. These restaurants often serve Middle Eastern, Indian, Pakistani, and Turkish cuisines, alongside a small but growing number of Korean dishes prepared with halal-certified meat. There is no international halal-certified options such as KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and Burger King, but Muslim-friendly establishments and selected outlets for Muslim visitors are increasing. The most reliable way to confirm halal status is by checking for the official Korea Muslim Federation (KMF) halal certification logo, which ensures proper sourcing, preparation, and hygiene.
When eating in Busan, visitors should remain cautious about the distinction between “halal-certified” and “halal-friendly.” Some eateries may avoid pork or alcohol but still use non-halal meat or share utensils with non-halal dishes, which means they cannot be considered strictly halal. To dine with confidence, it is best to choose KMF-certified restaurants or Muslim-owned businesses, often clearly promoted through halal travel apps and Muslim community networks. Pay attention to certification, ingredient sourcing, and the restaurant’s practices. Muslim travelers can enjoy Busan’s food culture, from fresh seafood dishes adapted with halal methods, while staying aligned with their dietary and religious requirements.
Muslim-Friendly Restaurants in Busan
What Is the Current State of Halal Food Availability in Busan?
Halal food options in Busan are limited but growing, especially in tourist hubs like Haeundae, Seomyeon, and Nampo-dong. Some restaurants are officially halal-certified, while others are “Muslim-friendly” or pork-free establishments that adapt menus to avoid non halal ingredients. Local guides and city tourism resources identify prayer rooms, halal or halal-friendly restaurants, and clearly mark “Muslim-friendly” eateries to help visitors. Busan also has a major mosque, Busan Al-Fatah Mosque in Geumjeong, which supports the Muslim community there.
Because the halal network is still relatively small, Muslim visitors often depend on apps, halal directories, or recommendations from local Muslim communities to locate certified places. In areas outside the main districts, halal choices may be very scarce, and many eateries operate without formal certification, so caution and verification are necessary.
Halal Restaurants in Busan
Busan has halal dining options for visitors. This is a list of halal establishments in Busan that range from Indian, Malaysian and Indonesian specialities to Korean barbecue and Turkish fare:
Vatan Halal Restaurant
Vatan Halal Restaurant serves Halal cuisine and has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from 25 reviewers. It is located at 9 Araetbansong-ro 59beon-gil. Patrons frequently note that the food is surprisingly delicious, highlighting the quality that exceeds expectations. The price range is considered accessible, falling between ₩10,000 and ₩20,000.
Namaste Haeundae
Namaste Haeundae is a highly-rated Indian restaurant with a 4.8 score based on 2.8K reviews. This establishment is situated at 7 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 265beon-gil, placing it right across from Haeundae Beach. The restaurant is recognized for being delicious and family friendly, making it a popular choice for visitors to the area. Meals here typically cost between ₩20,000 and ₩30,000.
Warung Jaya Mbak Tia(Halal food)
Warung Jaya Mbak Tia is an Indonesian Halal restaurant that holds a 4.5 rating from 239 reviews. Located on the second floor at Gwangbokjungang-ro, 3-1, it offers meals in the ₩10,000–₩20,000 range. The restaurant is noted for being mainly for Indonesia people, providing a taste of home, though it welcomes all visitors for satisfying meals.
Hi asia Pakistani & Indian halal restaurant 펀자브
Hi asia Pakistani & Indian halal restaurant 펀자브 is an Indian restaurant with an impressive 4.8 rating from 1.6K reviews. It can be found at 31 Gunam-ro. Customers praise the very tasty food and emphasize that it is authenticated Halal. The restaurant provides excellent value with prices between ₩10,000 and ₩20,000.
Hi asia Indonesian restaurant
Hi asia Indonesian restaurant operates on the second floor of 31 Gunam-ro and boasts a 4.9 rating from 918 reviews. This Indonesian eatery is commended for food that is very delicious, and fast delivered. With a price point of ₩10,000–₩20,000, it offers both quality and efficiency.
ROYAL INDIA SEOMYEON (Indian +Nepali & Halal Cuisine)
ROYAL INDIA SEOMYEON offers a blend of Indian and Nepali Halal cuisine, achieving a 4.9 rating from 261 reviews. Located on the 6th floor of 672 Jungang-daero, it is known for being affordable and best, with reviewers highlighting the good hospitality. The cost for a meal is between ₩20,000 and ₩30,000.
Bakso Bejo Korea
Bakso Bejo Korea is an Indonesian restaurant rated 4.4 by 312 patrons. It is situated at 6 Nampo-gil in the port area. This spot is considered a must goto place for its specific cuisine, offering meals priced from ₩10,000 to ₩20,000.
Half Moon Meat
Half Moon Meat is a chicken shop that has received a perfect 5.0 rating from 728 customers. Found at 56 Bupyeong 1-gil, 1st floor, it is acclaimed for providing an excellent meal. The service is described as exceptional, and the experience is perfect to eat at. Prices are in the ₩10,000–₩20,000 range.
Hello India Al Waha
Hello India Al Waha is an Indian restaurant with a 4.3 rating from 324 reviews. It is located at 23-1 Gunam-ro. This establishment is recognized as a good spot to eat authentic Indian food, with meal costs ranging from ₩20,000 to ₩30,000.
ROYAL INDIA HAEUNDAE
ROYAL INDIA HAEUNDAE maintains a high 4.9 rating from 550 reviews. The restaurant is positioned at 287 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro. It is celebrated for its excellent food and superb service. The pricing for dining here falls between ₩20,000 and ₩30,000.
Naan n Curry Haeundae
Naan n Curry Haeundae is an Indian Muslim restaurant with a perfect 5.0 score from 92 reviewers. Located at 25 Gunam-ro, it offers amazing food where the taste is authentic and rich in spices and flavours. This restaurant provides great value with prices from ₩10,000 to ₩20,000.
Busanjib Hongdae Branch – Halalfood
Busanjib Hongdae Branch is a Halal restaurant located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, with a 4.8 rating from 386 reviews. It serves tasty food and is complimented for having very nice workers. The cost of a meal is between ₩10,000 and ₩20,000.
KANTIPUR RESTURENT NEPALI
KANTIPUR RESTURENT NEPALI is a Nepalese restaurant that has earned a 4.9 rating from 157 patrons. It is based at 16 Yongso-ro 13beon-gil. The food is noted for being very authentic and taste very good while maintaining a reasonable price, which is in the ₩10,000–₩20,000 bracket.
Samarkand (Halal)
Samarkand is a Uzbeki Halal restaurant with a 3.9 rating from 563 reviews. It is situated at 37 Daeyeong-ro 243beon-gil. The establishment is recognized for serving authentic cuisine and is noted because the owner is also from the same cultural background. Meals are priced from ₩10,000 to ₩20,000.
LEMON INDIAN RESTAURANT
LEMON INDIAN RESTAURANT is an Indian restaurant holding a 4.9 rating from 196 reviews. Located at 29 Gunam-ro, it features a good vibe and is staffed by nice people. The restaurant offers a meal range of ₩20,000–₩30,000.
Bombay Brau Indian Restaurant
Bombay Brau Indian Restaurant is located at 30 Gunam-ro and opens at 11 am. It has a 3.9 rating from 282 reviews. A notable feature of this restaurant is that it is Halal-certified, which is highlighted as a significant bonus for diners.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a Turkish restaurant with a 4.1 rating based on 288 reviews. It can be found at 123-9 Geumdan-ro. The menu includes items like bread, mushroom soup, chicken skewers and beef/lamb patty that customers find quite delicious. The price range is ₩10,000–₩20,000.
What Is the Central Hub for Muslim Travelers in Busan?
The central hub for Muslim travelers in Busan is the Busan Al-Fatah Mosque. This mosque is the only one in the city and serves as the primary community center. It is located approximately one hour from central Busan and is accessible via Dusil Station, requiring an eight-minute walk from Exit 8.
The mosque provides separate prayer spaces for men and women. It also contains a small library with multilingual books. An Islamic kindergarten adjacent to the facility offers Quran and Arabic lessons, creating a comprehensive community space for Muslim residents and visitors.
Which Restaurants Offer Halal-Certified Meals?
Busan has one officially halal-certified restaurant, Cappadocia, which serves Turkish cuisine near the Busan Al-Fatah Mosque. Several other establishments operate as Muslim-friendly, meaning they offer pork-free menus and avoid alcohol in cooking, though they may lack formal certification. For example, Bombay Brau in Nampo and Namaste Haeundae are popular choices that follow these guidelines.
These restaurants primarily feature Indian, Turkish, and Indonesian cuisines. Travelers should confirm the halal status of meat directly with staff, as many venues rely on self-certification. The Korea Tourism Organization provides a published list designating restaurants as halal menu, pork-free, or vegetarian to assist visitors.
Where Can Travelers Find Muslim-Friendly Korean Food?
Muslim travelers can find Korean food at select restaurants that prepare pork-free versions of traditional dishes. Seoul Samgyetang in Nampodong serves a halal option of ginseng chicken soup, a classic Korean meal. Yoogane Haeundae specializes in dak galbi, a spicy chicken stir-fry that contains no pork.
Another option is Igasomssi, which offers barley rice sets and vegetarian dishes with a view of Gwangan Bridge. Seafood presents a generally safe alternative, with establishments like Eo-Bu near Haeundae and U-Ri in Jagalchi Market serving fresh fish and seafood-based Korean meals, though patrons should inquire about sauces and preparation methods.
What Practical Tips Assist Muslim Diners?
Muslim diners should use specific apps like Mufko or consult the Korea Tourism Organization’s Muslim-Friendly Restaurants list to identify suitable eateries. They must always verify the halal status of meat and the absence of pork or alcohol in broths and sauces by asking staff directly. For instance, asking “Do you use pork or pork broth?” provides clarity.
Travelers can rely on seafood as a safer option at places like Jagalchi Market, where fish is generally considered halal. They should be cautious of cross-contamination in kitchens and avoid street food stalls in traditional markets unless the ingredients are confirmed. Most establishments in Busan accept card and contactless payments, simplifying transactions.
How Accessible Are Prayer Facilities?
Prayer facilities are accessible primarily at the Busan Al-Fatah Mosque, which is the city’s only mosque. The facility is open to visitors and provides dedicated spaces for men and women to pray. Its location requires about one hour of travel from central Busan using public transportation.
The mosque remains the most reliable location for daily prayers. Visitors planning trips to attractions like Beomeosa Temple or Haeundae Beach should account for travel time to return to the mosque for prayers. The temple stay program at Beomeosa offers vegetarian meals and is open to Muslim participants, providing an alternative cultural experience.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Busan?
The best time to visit Busan is during the spring from April to June when cherry blossoms bloom and weather conditions are moderate. Autumn, from September to November, is also favorable because crowds are smaller and temperatures are cooler. These periods provide comfortable conditions for exploring outdoor attractions like Haeundae Beach and Geumjeongsan Mountain.
Visiting during these seasons allows travelers to enjoy attractions such as the Arte Museum Busan and the Blue Line Park beach train more comfortably. The currency exchange rate is approximately 1 Singapore Dollar to 1,078 Korean Won, and visitors should prepare Type C and F power plugs for their electronic devices.
Is Busan Muslim-Friendly?
Yes, Busan is becoming increasingly Muslim-friendly. The local tourism office maintains a “City Guide for Muslim Travellers,” highlighting restaurants and prayer rooms. Muslim visitors can find prayer facilities in mosques and Islamic centres, and the infrastructure to support halal dining is growing in key neighbourhoods.
That said, Busan is still not as muslim-friendly as Muslim-majority destinations. In less-touristed districts, halal food and Muslim amenities may be harder to find. Therefore, planning ahead by knowing where mosques, certified restaurants, and Muslim-friendly services are located will make the trip much smoother and more comfortable.
Are There Muslim-Friendly Tour Guides in Busan?
Yes, there are Muslim-friendly tour guides in Busan, though they are not as common as standard guides. Some local agencies and independent guides specifically cater to Muslim visitors by including halal dining, mosque visits, prayer breaks, and Muslim-friendly services in their itineraries. Busan’s tourist information centres and Muslim travel platforms may help you find such guides.
These guides are valuable since they have local knowledge of which eateries are halal or halal-friendly, where prayer rooms are located, and which attractions are more accessible or appropriate for Muslim travelers. Booking a guide in advance increases the chance of a smooth, culturally sensitive experience.
What Does a Muslim-Friendly Itinerary Look Like in Busan?
A Muslim-friendly itinerary in Busan balances cultural and scenic attractions with halal meals and prayer accommodations. You might start the day with breakfast at a halal-certified or Muslim-friendly restaurant in Haeundae, followed by a morning at Haeundae Beach. Midday, schedule lunch at another halal spot, then explore the Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market (with vegetarian or seafood halal-friendly options), and BIFF Square.
Afternoon stops might include temple views or coastal walks, but ensure you have time for Zuhr (midday) prayer near a mosque or prayer room. In the evening, head to a halal restaurant for dinner, perhaps in Nampo-dong or near your accommodation, and maybe take a night stroll on Gwangalli Beach with views of the illuminated Gwangan Bridge. Over multiple days, visits to Beomeosa Temple, seaside parks, and local markets can be interspersed with halal breaks and religious breaks, making the trip both spiritually safe and culturally rewarding.