Perhaps you have caught on to the K-pop trend, or watched the popular Korean dramas that your friends have been chatting about, and maybe just have a liking for Korean culture and cuisine. Well there’s no better way to start exploring Korea than its capital of Seoul! With a rising number of facilities, restaurants and hotels catered for Muslims, travel to Seoul is made much easier today than ever before! You can look forward to more prayer spaces and mosques, as well as increasing Muslim-friendly eateries and accommodations. Today, there are around 15 mosques in Seoul, and over 60 in South Korea. If you are daydreaming about your next adventure to Korea, put inside your itinerary these mosques that you can visit in Seoul! 

City: Itaewon

I recommend Muslim travellers to put Itaewon on their Seoul itinerary list for the first or second day! This area in Seoul is popular for its diverse range of international Muslim restaurants, halal bakeries and shopping haunts. There are shops from the street vendors to the luxurious malls, so it caters to every budget of travellers here. The Itaewon Antique Furniture Street, and museums such as the National Museum of Korea and War Memorial of Korea could be part of your list as well to enrich your Korea experience. Also, try to visit Itaewon in the day, as there are a number of  clubs and bars as well as a red light district, so it’s best to avoid nighttime. Itaewon is also home to Seoul’s Central Mosque which officially opened in 1976!

#ASingaporeanAbroad Tip: After visiting and doing prayers at Central Mosque, try out the various halal Korean food eateries such as Makan Halal, Eid and Salam Bakery. A lot of options for you here to try!

1 Seoul Central Mosque

Address: 39 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Nearest train station: Itaewon

To head to this mosque, exit from Itaewon Station (Seoul Subway Line 6) at Exit 3. Walk past the rows of halal restaurants, and groceries that will slowly lead you uphill. Continue walking up and it will bring you to the Seoul Central Masjid. It felt a little long and I was worried I could be going in the wrong direction as I couldn’t see any minarets but as long as you find the uphill road, it will take you to the correct place!

City: Dongdaemun

Dongdaemun is also another popular spot and a top shopping district. With row after row of markets and shopping areas, it’s no wonder it’s referred to as the shopping mecca of Seoul! My favourites to visit here are Dongdaemun Market for fashion accessories, where you and your friends can purchase in bulk at wholesale prices. If shopping isn’t your thing, take some time to visit the Ihwa Mural Village and Seoul Fortress Wall for a gorgeous view of the city from the top.

2 Masjid Al Tawhid

Address: 958-10 Dapsimni 2(i)-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Nearest train station: Dapsimni

3 Masjid Hoegi

Address: 3rd Floor 346-118, Imun 1(il)-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Nearest train station: Hoegi

City: Incheon

Many people skip exploring Incheon and only think of it as the place for the main airport. It is actually home to the country’s only Chinatown! Lined with bright red buildings, adorned with lanterns and filled with street vendors, you will feel as though you have been transported to China! If you’re a beach person, this city is also known for its beach-lined islands, including Yeongjong and Muui-dong. With time to spare, you could head to Wolmi Theme Park & My Land for adrenaline junkies while also enjoying the sea-views! Incheon Complex Fish Market is another attraction worth visiting for a unique culinary journey in Korea.

4 Al-Ashrafia Mosque

Address: 172-19 Yonghyeon 1(il).4(sa)-dong, Nam-gu, Incheon, South Korea

Nearest train station: Dokbae-ro

5 Al-Huda Mosque

Address: 639-10 Dohwa 1(il)-dong, Nam-gu, Incheon, South Korea

6 Masjid Al-Mujahidin

Address: Nonhyeon 2(i)-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, South Korea

Nearest train station: Namdong Induspark

7 Bupyeong Masjid 

Address: 574-19, Sipjeong-dong Bupyeong-gu Incheon South Korea

8 Prayer room @ Incheon Airport

Address: 2851 Unseo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea

City: Bucheon

To escape from the hustle and bustle of Seoul metropolitan city, head over to Bucheon. Here, there are plenty of parks to take a breather, including Bucheon Jungang Park and the Natural Ecological Park. Don’t miss the miniature replicas of world monuments such as the Eiffel Tower at Aiins World.

9 Gulzar E-Madina Islamic Centre

Address: 313-12 Samjeong-dong, Ojeong-gu, Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Nearest train station: Bucheon City Hall