"Limitless Potential... Capturing 'Muslim' Customers"… Domestic Hotels Increasing Halal Certification

Surge in Muslim Tourists Visiting Korea... Halal Restaurants Still Scarce
Luxury Hotels Target Guests with Halal Food... Differentiation by Incorporating Korean Cuisine
Lotte Hotel, The Plaza, and Dragon City Receive 'Muslim Friendly' Certification

Korea Tourism Organization Foreign Visitor Arrival Statistics by Nationality (Indonesia, Malaysia)

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Sunghye] While the number of tourists from China and Japan has slowed due to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), diplomatic tensions, and other factors, the number of Muslim tourists from countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia has steadily increased. In line with this trend, domestic luxury hotels are actively pursuing halal certification (a general term for products permitted for Muslims to consume and use according to Islamic law).

According to the Korea Tourism Organization on the 22nd, the number of tourists from Malaysia and Indonesia visiting Korea surged from 110,000 and 95,000 respectively in 2010 to 300,000 and 225,000 last year. The Korea Tourism Organization explained, "Muslim tourist consumption expenditure is estimated to reach $274 billion (317.977 trillion KRW) in 2023, growing at an annual average rate of 8.2%. However, tourists face difficulties due to a severe shortage of restaurants offering halal menus." Halal foods permitted in Islam include beef, chicken, lamb, seafood, and vegetables. Prohibited 'haram' items include pork and alcohol.

The Korea Tourism Organization has established a 'Muslim Friendly Strategy' and has been actively attracting tourists. Restaurants with halal certification receive promotional materials, classification marks, and other benefits. If they obtain halal certification from certification bodies recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the certification costs are also supported.

As of the end of last year, there were 314 Muslim-friendly restaurants registered with the Korea Tourism Organization. This number has been increasing annually from 237 in 2017 to 250 the following year. In the past, halal certification was mostly obtained by general restaurants located in specific areas frequently visited by foreign tourists, such as Itaewon, but recently, luxury hotels have also joined this trend.

Hotel Seoul Dragon City has obtained the 'Muslim Friendly' certification from the Korea Tourism Organization, targeting tourists from the Middle East.

Seoul Dragon City, located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, successfully obtained 'Muslim Friendly' restaurant certification this month. The hotel’s four main restaurants?▲Food Exchange ▲In Style ▲Alamaison Wine & Dine ▲The Ribbon?offer a variety of halal foods. They provide traditional halal dishes such as Indian and Moroccan styles, as well as unique halal foods that incorporate Korean flavors like bulgogi marinade, aiming for differentiation.

Source: Korea Tourism Organization Muslim-Friendly Restaurant Guide Website

Lotte Hotel Seoul has acquired Muslim-friendly certification for most of its dining establishments, including Korean restaurant 'Mugunghwa,' Chinese restaurant 'Dorim,' Japanese restaurant 'Momoyama,' and French restaurant 'Pierre Gagnaire Seoul.' At Lotte Hotel World, halal food can also be ordered through room service.

The Plaza Hotel, which has a high proportion of Middle Eastern tourists, received Muslim-friendly restaurant certification in 2016 for its buffet restaurant 'Seven Square,' Chinese restaurant 'Dowon,' Japanese restaurant 'Murasaki,' and Italian restaurant 'Tuscany.' Sheraton Seoul D Cube City’s restaurant 'Feast' also obtained Muslim-friendly certification. In addition to buffet menus with halal certification, individual dishes can be substituted with halal-certified ingredients upon request. Imperial Palace and A Cube Hotel also operate Muslim-friendly certified dining establishments.

An industry insider said, "After the sharp decline in Chinese tourists due to incidents such as MERS and THAAD, more hotels have targeted Muslim customers to diversify their clientele. To secure MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) customers, which contribute to hotel revenue, an increasing number of luxury hotels are introducing not only Muslim-friendly food but also facilities catering to Muslim guests."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.