BoA Halal Korean Food Dosirak

Category: Restaurant - Halal Restaurant
Nearest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX)
Distance from Subway Station: 182 meters (Exit 5)
District (gu): Seodaemun-gu
GPS: 37.55893, 126.92838 ↗
Description:

BoA Travel House is a Muslim friendly guesthouse that provides separate kitchen utensils, Muslim friendly breakfast and previously a Halal Dosirak (lunchbox) service for customers. Now they have renovated the first floor of their building and turn it into a restaurant serving Halal Korean food, still in the form of dosirak! Best of all, they also provide a prayer space for their Muslim customers. Their restaurant is open from 12PM - 9PM, so do mind the time. 

Their dosirak menu is around 8000 KRW, and they also have other dishes such as kimbap, tteokbokki, jjajangmyeon and chicken. Menu can be viewed below. Let's support their effort in making things easier for Muslims by visiting their restaurant. (source)

Location in Google Map:

Trick Eye Museum

Category: Attraction - Museum
Nearest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX)
Distance from Subway Station: 346 meters (Exit 9)
District (gu): Mapo-gu
GPS: 37.553551,126.921689 ↗
Description:

If museums are not your thing, this one might change your mind yet. Instead of showing old artifacts, this museum has pictures and props designed to "trick" the brain. You can take pictures and have a fun day overall here. It is a good place to bring children to and worth a visit if you are already around Hongdae area. (source).

NOTE: Until 31st December 2013 you can use this coupon for a discounted entry ticket.

Location in Google Map:

Yang Good Korean BBQ Lamb Restaurant

Category: Restaurant - Halal Restaurant
Nearest Subway Station: Yeoksam Station (Line 2)
Distance from Subway Station: 289 meters (Exit 6)
District (gu): Gangnam-gu
GPS: 37.502177,127.034696 ↗
Description:
 
It is really unfortunate that there are not many choices for halal Korean food in Seoul. There is Murree Restaurant in Itaewon... and.... ? Well there are also many seafood options but I am sure we all agree that we. must. have. meat.

Fear not! You can have your sizzling, smoking grilled BBQ meat at this restaurant. They use lamb meat imported from Australia so they are Halal. Yeay! Prepare to spend a ~little~ bit extra though. But I'm sure the experience will be well worth it. Price is around 11,000 KRW - 22,000 KRW and the restaurant is open from 3 PM until late. (source 1, source 2)

 

Location in Google Map:

Istanbul Kebab

Category: Restaurant - Halal Restaurant
Nearest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX)
Distance from Subway Station: 196 meters (Exit 8)
District (gu): Mapo-gu
GPS: 37.555784,126.924297 ↗
Description:

Here is a kebab restaurant in Hongdae. Istanbul Kebab is located just a few steps away from Hongik University Station's Exit 8. You can have a choice of Chicken Kebab (4,000 KRW), Lamb Kebab (5,000 KRW) or have a mix of both (5,000 KRW). If you are in the neighbourhood and craving for some affordable halal meat, drop by here. (source)

Location in Google Map:

Haemul Sotbab Morang (해물솥밥 모랑)

Category: Restaurant - Seafood Restaurant
Nearest Subway Station:  Gangnam Station (Line 2)
Distance from Subway Station: 75 meters (Exit 5)
District (gu): Gangnam-gu
GPS: 37.494686,127.028645 ↗
Description:

Bibimbap is a really popular Korean dish. It is no wonder that there are many variations of this recipe. This restaurant, Haemul Sotbab Morang (Seafood Hot Stone Pot Rice Morang) is a chain that has seafood "sotbab" (hot pot rice) as its signature dishes. Most of their dishes are seafood or vegetarian base, with only two or three containing beef.

Their number one menu, Haemul Sotbab (seafood hot pot rice) is 8,500 KRW and comes with soup and side dishes. The restaurant has pictures and English descriptions on their menu so you can know what dishes to order. The restaurant is open from 11AM to 9PM and doesn't operate on Korean public holidays. It is located on the second floor, the same floor as Baba India. (source 1, source 2)

The restaurant is in this building, same floor as Baba India

Location in Google Map: 

Yeti Restaurant

Category: Restaurant - Halal Restaurant
Nearest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX)
Distance from Subway Station: 573 meters (Exit 9)
District (gu): Mapo-gu
GPS: 37.552509,126.92338 ↗  
Description:

This restaurant is a bit out of the way from the nearest subway station. However it is located near the park where the Hope and Free Market are hosted every Saturday and Sunday. This restaurant is also very near a cat cafe. So if you are already around the area and find yourself hungry for sustenance why not visit this restaurant? Yeti Restaurant buys their meat from halal butchers in Itaewon so if you're craving for meat, try this restaurant and let us know how they fare :)

Yeti Restaurant is open everyday from 11.00 AM until 2.00 AM. A set lunch for two costs around 24,000 KRW. (source 1, source 2, source 3)

Location in Google Map:

Hongdae Free and Hope Market

Category: Attraction - Shopping
Nearest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX)
Distance from Subway Station: 546 meters (Exit 9)
District (gu): Mapo-gu
GPS: 37.552378,126.923352 ↗
Description:

If you will be in Seoul anytime from March to November and you are a fan of handmade and unique crafts, don't forget to visit these unique flea markets open only on Saturday and Sunday. These markets don't sell second hand items, but handcrafted accessories, clothes, caps, paintings, photographs and many other more. Most of the vendors are students of the nearby Hongik University. Saturday is the day for "Free Market" while "Hope Market" is on every Sunday. Both are open from 1PM to 6PM at the same location. (source 1, source 2)

Hongdae Free Market caught by Daum Road View.

Location in Google Map:

Cheongchun Cat Cafe

Category: Attraction - Other
Nearest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX)
Distance from Subway Station: 616 meters (Exit 9)
District (gu): Mapo-gu
GPS: 37.552998,126.923114 ↗
Description:

One of the most ubiquitous sights in Seoul is the many coffee houses making business in this town. You have the major franchises like Starbucks and also many independent and unique coffee houses. Coffee houses that have unique theme are also numerous in Seoul like the Hello Kitty Coffee House featured before. But this time how about something less cartoonish and more I-will-leave-my-furs-on-your-clothes variant?

Cheongchun Cat Cafe / YCat Cafe (previously also known as Gio Cat Cafe) is a coffee house where the main spotlight is not on their brews of Caramel Macchiatto or Espresso, but the many cats it houses! Pay an entrance fee and you'll get a choice of drinks and allocation of table. Then you can do your best to tempt these furry buddies to get into your lap, pet and play with them. They even have a "cat menu" that showcases the many different breeds of cats they have. Check the sources for more info (and a video) (source 1, source 2, source 3)

Location in Google Map:

Everland (Bus Stop in Gangnam)

Category: Attraction - One Day Visit
Nearest Subway Station: Gangnam Station (Line 2)
Distance from Subway Station: 287 meters (Exit 10)
District (gu): Gangnam-gu
GPS: 37.501223,127.025705 ↗
Description:

There are several ways to get to Everland from Seoul. One of the easiest ways is by taking the bus numbered #5002 from a bus stop near Gangnam Station. You don't need to book or buy the ticket first before boarding the bus. Just tap your T-Money card or pay by cash to the driver. Because this is a public bus, it can get crowded though so make sure you make your way early in the morning.

The bus will stop at a terminal near Everland and from there you can take the free shuttle bus provided by Everland. Take the same bus to get back to Seoul but ask first that the bus is going to Gangnam and not Myeongji University. Journey from Gangnam to Everland is around 1 hour and the bus fare is 2,000 KRW using T-Money and 2,100 by cash. The first bus starts at 5:50 AM and last bus departs at 10:20 PM with each interval at around 11 minutes. (source)

Location in Google Map: 

Walking Directions:

1. You should know that you are outside of Exit 10 when you see the sight below:

2. Walk straight until you've reached the end of the block. Then cross the zebra crossing and walk straight again:

3. Walk down another block and cross another zebra crossing. Don't worry, you are really close now!

4. Walk just a few steps more and you've arrived!

Ewha Womans University

Category: Attraction - Other
Nearest Subway Station: Ewha Womans University Station (Line 2)
Distance from Subway Station: 327 meters (Exit 2 or Exit 3)
District (gu): Seodaemun-gu
GPS: 37.560143,126.945477 ↗
Description:

Why visit a university? Why not? Especially one as beautiful as this. Founded in 1886, this university is the largest female educational institute in the world. The campus is made up of beautifully preserved old buildings and new, modern underground campus that blends in with the hilly landscape of the university.

And hear this ladies, the road heading towards Ewha from the subway station is filled with many shops selling trendy clothes, cosmetics, shoes, bags.. you name it! All with affordable price catering the students' budget. Some actually say that you should visit Ewha first before Myeongdong or Dongdaemun. So do slot a visit here when you are in Seoul :) (source 1, source 2)

Location in Google Map:

Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town

Category: Restaurant - Seafood Restaurant
Nearest Subway Station: Sindang Station (Line 2, 6)
Distance from Subway Station: 214 meters (Exit 8)
District (gu): Jung-gu
GPS: 37.563387,127.015068 ↗
Description:

One of Korea's most famous street foods is tteokbokki. It is usually eaten as snack that can conveniently be eaten while walking. However in one street tteokbokki is considered as a proper, large meal to be shared. In Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town, there are many restaurants serving this recipe. Served in a metal wok, customers are supposed to cook their own tteokbokki with the prepared ingredients. In addition to the usual rice cakes in chilli paste, tteokbokki here is also served with ramyeon noodle, fish cakes, fried mandus, boiled eggs and also onions and cabbages. Some restaurants also have seafood tteokbokki option.

Most of the restaurants in this street are open 24-hours, so you can get your spicy rice cake fix anytime you want. (source 1, source 2)

NOTE: Please read the comment by the reader "N" below, and make your own decision. I am not endorsing any restaurant in this blog (and of course I am not guaranteeing that every restaurants listed is totally halal). The listing is meant as a guide. Every final decision should be yours.

Location in Google Map:

Agra Restaurant (Jongno)

Category: Restaurant - Halal Restaurant
Nearest Subway Station: Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2)
Distance from Subway Station: 372 meters (Exit 4)
District (gu): Jung-gu
GPS: 37.567635,126.985517 ↗
Description:

Agra is a chain of restaurant in Seoul with branches in Myeongdong, Jongno and Itaewon. Under the same management they all use halal meat for their dishes. These restaurants serve Indian dishes like curries, naans, tandooris among others. Their price is a bit on the high side, but they have special lunch set with discounted prices. Lunch set is served in Jongno branch from 12PM to 5PM and the price is from 18,000 KRW. The restaurant is located on B2 Floor of Mirae Asset Center 1 Building. (source 1, source 2, source 3)

Agra is on the B2 Floor of this building

 Location in Google Map:

Hello Kitty Cafe

Category: Attraction - Other
Nearest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX)
Distance from Subway Station: 381 meters (Exit 9)
District (gu): Mapo-gu
GPS: 37.553351,126.922324 ↗
Description:

There are many cafes in the trendy district of Hongdae and one unique cafe is Hello Kitty Cafe. Fully decorated with the famous cat characters from Japan, even the drinks and food are shaped based on the cat with ribbon on its ear. If you are a fan of the character or just want to try eating cat shaped desserts, make your way to this cafe. Open from 11am to 12pm. (source 1, source 2)

Location in Google Map:

BaB Restaurant - Ewha Woman's University

Category: Restaurant - Vegetarian Friendly Restaurant
Nearest Subway Station: Ewha Woman's University Station (Line 2)
Distance from Subway Station: 261 meters (Exit 3)
District (gu): Seodaemun-gu
GPS: 37.559042,126.946071 ↗
Description:

This is another branch of Bab Restaurant located in front of Ewha Woman's University gate. I think the owner is lucky to always get the best location in front of these universities. Bibimbap and Dwenjang Jjigae cost around 7,000 KRW (source)

Location in Google Map:

Jyoti Restaurant

Category: Restaurant - Halal Restaurant
Nearest Subway Station: Sinchon Station (Line 2)
Distance from Subway Station: 50 meters (Exit 5)
District (gu): Mapo-gu
GPS: 37.554899,126.937976 ↗
Description:

Jyoti Restaurant is located just a few steps away from Exit 5 of Sinchon Station. This Indian restaurant buys their meat from Foreign Food Mart in Itaewon and so all their dishes are halal. Located in the student populated area of Mapo-gu, their food are competitively priced. Set menu starts from 8,000 KRW which includes naan, rice, curry, salad and yoghurt. The restaurant is open daily from 11.30 am to 10 pm and is located on the third floor. (source)

Location in Google Map:

BaB Restaurant - Hongdae

Category: Restaurant - Vegetarian Friendly Restaurant
Nearest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX)
Distance from Subway Station: 603 meters (Exit 9)
District (gu): Mapo-gu
GPS: 37.551922,126.923251 ↗
Description:

A break from all the Indian restaurants in the previous entries this one is a vegetarian friendly restaurant where we can order the vegetarian dish bibimbap (mixed rice), sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew) that is made with seafood or their doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew). Each selection will come with a set of side dishes. BaB is a restaurant chain and this particular branch is located in Hongdae very near to Hongik University's gate. Price starts at 7,000 KRW (source 1, source 2, source 3)

Location in Google Map:

First Nepal Restaurant

Category: Restaurant - Halal Restaurant
Nearest Subway Station:  Ewha Woman's University (Line 2)
Distance from Subway Station:  279 meters (Exit 2)
District (gu): Seodaemun-gu
GPS: 37.557821,126.943689 ↗
Description:

This restaurant serving Indian and Nepalese dishes is located in the area of many restaurants and clothing stores in front of Ewha Woman's University. It serves halal and vegetarian dishes with the cheapest vegetarian lunch menu set starting at 9,000 KRW. The restaurant is on second floor. (source 1, source 2, source 3)

Location in Google Map:

Shanti Restaurant

Category: Restaurant - Halal Restaurant
Nearest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX)
Distance from Subway Station: 244 meters (Exit 8)
District (gu): Mapo-gu
Description:

Another Indian/Nepali restaurant serving Halal food is Shanti located in Hongdae. The menus include curries, tandoori chicken and naan breads among many others. There are three branches of Shanti in Hongdae and this particular one is located near exit 8 of Hongdae station. The restaurant is on the second floor and lunch set starts from 13,000 KRW. (source 1, source 2)

Location in Google Map:

Amma Restaurant

Category: Restaurant - Halal Restaurant
Nearest Subway Station: Sinchon Station (Line 2)
Distance from Subway Station: 276 meters (Exit 2)
District (gu): Seodaemun-gu
Description:

Near to Yonsei University in the neighbourhood of Sinchon-dong is Amma Restaurant, an Indian-Nepali restaurant that serves halal dishes. The chefs come from Nepal and India and are guaranteed to serve you authentic Indian/Nepali food. Lunch set starts at 20,000 KRW for 2 people and chicken briyani is from 9,000 KRW. Restaurant is open from 11.30 AM to 10.30 pm and is located on the 2nd Floor. (source 1, source 2)

Location in Google Map:

Deoksugung Palace

Category: Attraction - Cultural
Nearest Subway Station: City Hall Station (Line 1,2)
Distance from Subway Station: 106 meters (Exit 2)
District (gu): Jung-gu
Description:

Deoksugung palace's compound is surrounded with stone walls. Deoksugung's doldam-gil or stone wall road has an interesting story attached to it. It was said that lovers that walk the road together will eventually break up. I wonder if people still believe in this legend, but anyone dare to try? ;) The road is a feast to the sights with beautiful historical buildings surrounding it. It is also apparently really beautiful in autumn with brown and yellow leaves adding splashes of colours to the view. Deoksugung Palace is also unique because it has buildings that were designed in Western styles. As usual more information on KTO Website.

 source: visitkorea.or.kr

Location in Google Map: