It's 2025. There are many must-visit tourist destinations when traveling to Korea, but this time, we will introduce the best tourist destinations that Muslim travelers should not miss. From Gyeongbokgung Palace and Myeongdong, where tradition and modernity coexist, to Itaewon Mosque, the only and largest in Seoul and well-known as an exotic place even for Koreans, to Noryangjin or Incheon's many fish markets to experience the unique fish market culture that can only be found in Korea, and finally, the charm of taking a seagull boat to Dongwha Village in Incheon, we will look at them one by one.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace, a harmony of tradition and modernity
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korea's representative palace, is a place that is recommended not only in 2025 but also every year or to everyone visiting Korea. This palace, which represents the Joseon Dynasty, the era just before Korea, is a place where you can appreciate the beauty of traditional Korean architecture and was first built in 1395. Gyeongbokgung Palace is especially famous for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall, showing different charms each season. Inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can appreciate the exquisite architecture of buildings such as Geunjeongjeon Hall, a splendid reception building, and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, which is thought to be a romantic place for the king and queen but was actually built by the king for his subjects. In particular, if you walk around here wearing a hanbok, the traditional costume of Joseon, you will feel as if you have traveled back 650 years. In particular, the changing of the guards ceremony, which is held twice a day, can be seen without purchasing a Gyeongbokgung Palace ticket, and unless it rains, most visitors can watch the ceremony for about 10 minutes, and after the ceremony, you can take pictures with the guards and the soldiers guarding Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is popular with tourists, so many people enjoy watching it by adjusting their schedule. In addition, around Gyeongbokgung Palace, there are places such as the National Folk Museum, where you can experience Korean history and culture, the statue and museum of King Sejong, who created the Korean alphabet, and the statue and museum of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who protected the seas of Joseon, making it a great place to visit in a day.
2. Myeongdong, a paradise of shopping and halal food
Located in the center of Seoul, Myeongdong is a paradise of shopping and gourmet food that you can't miss when traveling to Korea. In addition to purchasing Korean fashion, cosmetics, and souvenirs on the streets of Myeongdong, there are also a growing number of halal restaurants catering to Muslim tourists. Representative halal restaurants include a Middle Eastern restaurant called "Saffron," a Malaysian restaurant called "Kampungku," and a Korean halal restaurant called "Busanjip," so Muslim customers can enjoy their food without worry. There are also many halal foods at food trucks in Myeongdong, and the merchants have a deep understanding of halal. Myeongdong is a place where you can experience Korean trends firsthand, with many street foods scattered throughout the streets. In addition to snacks like tteokbokki and hot dogs, there are many menus that Muslim tourists can enjoy with confidence, so it's great for enjoying both culture and taste. In addition, landmarks such as Myeongdong Cathedral are one of the places loved by many tourists for their unique architecture.
3. Itaewon Mosque, the Center of the Korean Muslim Community
Located in Itaewon, Seoul, the Seoul Central Masjid (Itaewon Mosque) is the center of the Korean Muslim community and a must-visit for Muslim travelers. Established in 1976, it is the oldest Islamic mosque in Korea and is famous for its cultural exchanges beyond its religious significance. Around the Itaewon Mosque, there are many halal-certified restaurants and shops related to Islamic culture, making it a comfortable place for Muslim visitors to spend time. In addition, this area is a place where you can experience Korea's global culture, and the streets of Itaewon itself are an attractive space where you can feel the cultures of various countries. Especially during the Friday weekend prayer time, Muslims of various nationalities gather here to experience a truly international atmosphere. These days, it has become a popular place for young people who love Korean dramas, as the drama "Itaewon Class" was filmed in Itaewon.
4. Fish Market Full of Freshness and Liveliness
If you want to experience both traditional Korean market culture and fresh seafood, a fish market is a must-visit place. Noryangjin Fish Market is the most well-known in Seoul, and Korean fish markets usually have a unique culture where you buy fresh fish or seafood directly on the first floor and then have it cooked right away at a nearby restaurant (usually located on the second floor). Fish markets are also popular with Muslim tourists because they allow you to experience Korean seafood culture up close. In particular, fish markets are completely halal, although they are Korean, because you choose the ingredients yourself and only use fish or seafood. In addition, there are many props that allow you to get a glimpse of traditional Korean culture throughout the market, adding a different kind of fun to your trip. The lively atmosphere unique to fish markets provides a great backdrop for taking pictures, and the experience here will give Muslim tourists unforgettable memories.
5. Romantic Incheon Trip, Seagull Boat and Fairy Tale Village
If you want to spend a special day in Incheon, I recommend the Seagull Boat and Fairy Tale Village course. The Seagull Boat is a boat that you can naturally take on your way from the airport to Seoul. After stopping by the fish market for a while and having a meal at a restaurant with a view of the ocean, you can board a large passenger ship that can accommodate buses and cars. This boat connects the old town ferry and Wolmido, and you can observe seagulls flying freely along with the Korean scenery on the ocean up close. The unique experience of feeding seagulls with shrimp chips is a great joy not only for children but also for adults. The first place you arrive at is Wolmido, which is where the popular drama "Squid Game" was filmed, and it is also a place where cherry blossoms bloom the latest in Korea, making it a popular tourist destination. The next place you can visit is the Fairy Tale Village, where colorful murals and uniquely designed buildings create the feeling of entering a fairy tale world. It is also recommended for Muslim tourists as a place where they can feel both an exotic and Korean sensibility. In particular, there are shops around the Dongwha Village where you can buy simple Halal snacks, making your trip even more convenient. Incheon is also a perfect day trip destination because of its close proximity to Seoul.
In 2025, Muslim tourists visiting Korea will have a variety of attractive tourist destinations. Gyeongbokgung Palace and Myeongdong where you can feel both tradition and modernity, Itaewon Mosque, the center of the Muslim community, the fish market full of fresh seafood, and the romantic seagull boat and fairy tale village in Incheon. All of these places will give you unforgettable memories. Now, add these recommended places to your Korea trip planning! If you need expert help, we recommend contacting FNF Korea travel & DMC (http://www.fnfkorea.com), a Muslim specialist and Korean inbound B2B travel agency.