Seoul/Seodaemun-Mapo

Seodaemun (서대문) and Mapo (마포) are in northwestern Seoul, by the banks of the Han River. They're most notable for having a high concentration of colleges and universities, resulting in a distinct, youthful culture, especially in the twin subneighborhoods of Hongdae (홍대) and Sinchon (신촌), separated by a single subway stop, a ten minutes bus ride, or a twenty minutes walk. These two neighborhoods are home to some of Seoul's most boisterous Halal dining, and Hongdae in particular is unique for having a strong underground indie music and arts scene, a welcome break from the sometimes unbearable monotony and conformity of the rest of the city.

Seodaemun gets its name from the Great West Gate of Joseon-era Hanseong. The gate is now gone, having been dismantled by the Japanese during the colonial period, but the name has stuck as a reminder of the past.

Travel to Seoul/Seodaemun-Mapo

By rail

Subway lines 2, 5, and 6 pass through this part of Seoul, as do some commuter trains and the AREX from Incheon International Airport.

When you are heading for Sinchon station, be aware that there are two Sinchon stations: one on the Metro Line 2 and the other on the Gyeongui–Jungang branch line. They are separate stations, and this Gyeongui–Jungang branch line has very large intervals (1 per hour). Although it has a direct connection to Seoul Station, it is generally much better to use the Line 2.

What to See

Seodaemun Prison 101 Hyeonjeo-dong, Seodaemun-gu 37.57450, 126.95583 Metro Line 3, Dongnimmun stn, exit 5 Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 09:30-18:00 (Closes 17:00 from November-February) ₩1,500 Originally built in 1908 and the prison became infamous during the Japanese occupation when it was used to torture, starve and execute Korean political prisoners. Actual prison cells, wax figures and videos are used to demonstrate the shocking brutality experienced there. Most signs are in Korean although volunteer guides can describe the sights in English. The content may not be suitable for those of a sensitive nature.
World Cup Stadium 37.5683, 126.8973 was South Korea's main stadium in the 2002 World Cup
Seodaemun Museum of Natural History - 51, Yeonhui-ro 32-gil 37.5766, 126.9378 At this museum you can learn more about geology, archeology and biology. Plenty of fossils on display, interactive exhibitions and various activities for kids.
Worldcup Park - 월드컵공원 | 108-1, Haneulgongwon-ro, Mapo-gu 37.5715871, 126.8783893 - World Cup Park World-Cup-Park A - Worldcup Park has several sections. Sky Park is the most popular for the Silver Grass Festival. The park used to be a waste landfill.

Trickeye Museum - Trickeye | Hongikro 3gil 20 37.5538, 126.9219 ☎ +82 231447742 | Opening Hours: Monday to Sun 9AM Monday - 9PM (Last admission at 8PM) ₩15,000 - Trickeye Museum features optical illusion paintings and installations. Divided into six themed galleries, visitors can freely touch, step inside 3D exhibits and take photos.

Things to Do

Korea MTB Adventures - ☎ +82 10 7417 1457 - 205-402 Samsung Remian Apt, Goyang-si (line 3 Wondang Stn). This company rents mountain bikes, offers guiding services, and supplies equipment such as helmets, gloves, hydration packs, shoes and light systems. They offer half day (3–4 hours - ₩100,000 or $90US with bike and gear) and full day (4–6 hours - ₩150,000 or $135US with bike and gear) tours in a few locations in and around Seoul. Options include downhill riding at Namhansanseong, cross country riding near Goyang, and urban riding through downtown Seoul.
Hongdae Playground - Web: ang=en&m=0005001001001&p=24 Seogyodong, Mapo-gu 37.554346, 126.922801 subway line 2, Hongik University Station, Exit 9 - The area around here in Hongik University is completely packed with shops and restaurants aimed solely at University students. Definitely an interesting way to spend some hours exploring the streets and see how Korean students let their hair down. Dinner can be had in this area at student prices, or avail yourself to one of the many street stalls serving Korean student street food.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Seoul/Seodaemun-Mapo

Ewha Women's University Market - EDAE - 37.559126, 126.945654 At the front gate of Ewha Women's University, visitors can find a dense market geared towards young women. You can find stores that sell clothes, shoes, hats, handbags, and so on. There are also clothes for men. Recently franchise stores have started to move into the area. Campus itself is beautiful as well.

Music & Records

There are still a few records stores alive after the advent of MP3. Most shops are in the Hongdae area. Price range is between ₩10,000 and ₩20,000 for vinyl and ₩5,000 to ₩10,000 for CDs. - HYANG music (향뮤직) - Changcheon dong 33-16 37.558532, 126.936678 - Mostly CDs. All genres.

Purple records (메타복스) - Donggyo dong 158-24 - New issued vinyls are main. also have CDs. Pop and Indies.
Metavox(메타복스) - Donggyo dong 158-24 - Mostly second hand. CDs are main. Vinyl records covers also exist.
Gimbab records (김밥레코드) - Donggyodong 155-36 - Mostly indie vinyls. Small but beautiful shop.

Masjids in Seoul

Seoul is home to a growing Muslim community, with several mosques and Islamic centers catering to the spiritual needs of Muslims living in or visiting the city. Here are some of the notable masjids in Seoul:

1. Seoul Central Mosque

Rating: 4.8 (4,120 reviews)
Location: 39 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Itaewon
Opened: 1976

The Seoul Central Mosque is the oldest and most prominent mosque in South Korea, situated in Itaewon. It serves as a central hub for the Muslim community in Seoul, offering daily prayers, Friday sermons, and Islamic education. The mosque’s location in Itaewon makes it easily accessible and near many Halal restaurants. The modern architecture and significance of this mosque make it a key landmark for Muslims in the region.

2. Masjid Al-Falah, Seoul

Rating: 4.8 (43 reviews)
Location: 186-356 Singil-dong

Masjid Al-Falah is located in Singil-dong and is open 24 hours. It provides a peaceful place for Muslims to perform their prayers and is well-known for its quiet, spiritual ambiance. The masjid is smaller compared to Seoul Central Mosque but remains important to the local Muslim community.

3. Sinchon Masjid and Islamic Center

Rating: 4.6 (17 reviews)
Location: 20 Sinchon-ro 24an-gil

Located in the vibrant Sinchon area, this mosque is a convenient prayer space for Muslims, particularly those near the universities. It serves both as a masjid and an Islamic center, offering a variety of activities and services for Muslims in the area. It is also open 24 hours.

4. Masjid Noor Sejong University

Rating: 4.8 (23 reviews)
Location: 11 Dongil-ro 56-gil

This mosque is located near Sejong University and provides a space for Muslim students and staff to perform their prayers. It's also a quiet and serene place for local Muslims. The mosque operates 24 hours, catering to the needs of the community.

5. Sejong University Mosque

Rating: 4.9 (29 reviews)
Location: Gunja-dong, 111-1 103B

Another prayer space near Sejong University, this mosque is well-loved by the local community and provides prayer services throughout the day. It closes at 9:20 PM but offers a peaceful and welcoming environment for Muslims.

6. Yongsan Mosque

Location: 22-9 Hangangno 3(sam)-ga

Located in Yongsan, this mosque does not have many reviews but is an important prayer space for Muslims living or working in the Yongsan district. It offers daily prayers and Friday congregational prayers.

7. Masjid Al-Ikhlas Uijeongbu

Rating: 4.6 (55 reviews)
Location: 19 Simin-ro 132beon-gil, Uijeongbu

Located in Uijeongbu, north of Seoul, Masjid Al-Ikhlas serves the Muslim community in the area and is open 24 hours. It is a well-maintained mosque, providing a peaceful atmosphere for prayer and reflection.

Halal Restaurants in Seoul/Seodaemun-Mapo

Seoul is home to a growing number of Halal restaurants. Whether you're a local or a visitor looking for Halal-certified food, Seoul has various options to satisfy your cravings. Here’s a guide to some of the best Halal dining spots across the city:

1. Inamjang (Myeong-dong Branch)

Rating: 4.2/5 (431 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Korean
Location: 39 Myeongdong 9-gil
Hours: Open until 10 PM

Inamjang offers traditional Korean food in a cozy atmosphere. Located in the bustling Myeongdong area, it’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals looking to enjoy authentic Korean cuisine.

2. Kampungku Restaurant

Rating: 4.3/5 (1,414 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Halal
Location: 16-4 Namsan-dong 2(i)-ga
Hours: Open until 9:30 PM

Kampungku specializes in Halal-certified food and is well-known for its delicious Malaysian and Indonesian dishes. Its warm and welcoming ambiance makes it an excellent choice for dining with family or friends.

3. HAJJ Korea Halal Food

Rating: 4.4/5 (357 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Halal
Location: Usadan-ro 10-gil, 39
Hours: Open until 11 PM

This restaurant, located near the famous Itaewon Mosque, offers a wide variety of Halal Korean dishes. While it doesn't offer delivery services, it provides a perfect dine-in experience for those exploring the Itaewon area.

4. EID Halal Korean Food (حلا)

Rating: 4.5/5 (956 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Halal, Korean
Location: 15 Usadan-ro 10-gil
Hours: Open until 9 PM

A staple in Itaewon, EID offers authentic Korean dishes prepared with Halal ingredients. This cozy restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to try traditional Korean food with a Halal twist.

5. Petra Restaurant

Rating: 4.6/5 (1,865 reviews)
Price: ₩20,000–30,000
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Location: 33 Noksapyeong-daero 40-gil
Hours: Open until 9 PM

If you’re in the mood for Middle Eastern cuisine, Petra Restaurant serves an array of Halal dishes including shawarma, falafel, and kebabs, all made from fresh, high-quality ingredients.

6. The Halal Guys

Rating: 4.2/5 (1,023 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: American Halal
Location: 187 Itaewon-ro
Hours: Open until 4 AM

The Halal Guys brings New York's famous street food to Seoul, offering their signature beef, chicken, and gyro platters with Halal-certified ingredients. Open until the early hours of the morning, it's a great spot for late-night cravings.

7. Yang Good Korean BBQ

Rating: 4.6/5 (1,202 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–30,000
Cuisine: Korean BBQ
Location: Nonhyeon-ro 95-gil, 15
Hours: Opens at 4 PM

Yang Good is famous for its Halal-certified lamb dishes and Korean BBQ. A favorite among meat lovers, this restaurant is perfect for a traditional Korean barbecue experience without compromising on Halal standards.

8. Halal Korean Restaurant (Home Cooked Meal Gim Soensaeng)

Rating: 4.9/5 (258 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Halal
Location: Itaewon-dong, 34-19
Hours: Closes at 2 PM, reopens at 3 PM

Known for its home-cooked meals, this quaint restaurant offers authentic Halal Korean dishes. Its intimate and traditional setting makes it a great spot for those looking to enjoy a homemade meal in the heart of Seoul.

9. Siti Sarah Korean Melayu & Egyptian Halal Food

Rating: 4.1/5 (409 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Malay, Egyptian
Location: Usadan-ro 10-gil, 7
Hours: Open until 2 AM

For a fusion of Malay and Egyptian flavors, Siti Sarah is an excellent choice. With late-night hours, it’s a perfect stop for night owls exploring Itaewon.

10. Nirvana Halal Indian Kitchen

Rating: 4.5/5 (360 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Indian
Location: 58 Insadong 8-gil, Gwanhun-dong
Hours: Closes at 2:30 PM, reopens at 5 PM

Nirvana offers a taste of India in Seoul, serving a wide variety of Halal Indian dishes from curries to naan. Located in the historic Insadong neighborhood, it’s an ideal stop after a day of sightseeing.

Muslim Friendly Hotels