Seoul/Songpa

Songpa (송파) and Gangdong (강동) are in the eastern part of Seoul, along the Han River. Quieter and more residential then its hectic neighbor, Gangnam, Songpa nonetheless offers a fair number of attractions. The world's largest indoor theme park, Lotte World, is here, as is the Olympic Park and many of the facilities that were used the 1988 Seoul Olympics. And for fans of baseball and/or Korean Pop Culture and the Jamsil Sports Complex frequently hosts baseball games and K-pop concerts.

Travel to Seoul/Songpa

Subway line 8 runs through Songpa and continues to Namhansanseong.

What to See

Olympic Park 37.5183, 127.1246 Museum, ₩3,000 Built for the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympics. A lake, a large field covered with the grass, and a square with sculptures are very popular among visitors. It is frequently visited by brides and grooms to take their wedding pictures. There are a couple of courses that are ideal for jogging or walking. In addition and the outdoor stage and the six stadiums are often used for concerts and other special events. Also a well known modern art museum named SOMA Museum is in the park. It features modern artworks by both Korean and international artists.

Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival is a festival which reenacts Hanseong Baekje’s traditions and culture. Baekje is one of Korea ancient nation (B.C. 18 – A.D. 660). The capital of Baekje had been located in Seoul for about 470 years (B.C. 1 – AD. 476). Historical sites and antiquities of Baekje were discovered in Seoul. To remember the history of Baekje, Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival is held every year (September) in Olympic Park, Songpa-Gu, Seoul Korea. You can experience Holography, Riders ' equation, Ancient Tomb of Baekje, Baekje Experience Village, and Historical cultural distance matrix. In 2017 and the festival was held during September 21st-24th in Olympic Park.

Iljasan Park - GPS 37.5410, 127.1551 Gangdong - Park with sports facilities, many herb gardens and an astronomical observatory.

Seoul Baekje Museum. Admissio fee is free

Seokchon Lake - GPS 37.5095, 127.1020 Actually two lakes divided by a road, surrounded by park with several playgrounds. This park is something of an oasis in the middle of the skyscraper landscape.
Lotte World Tower (Seoul Sky) - 37.5125, 127.1025 Opening Hours: 09:30~23:00 (Last Ticketing at 22:00) Adult (ages over 13) ₩27,000, Children (ages 3-12) ₩24,000 - Enjoy the view from the fifth tallest building in the world. Be sure to check the weather before entry.

Things to Do

Jamsil Sports Complex - 37.51105 , 127.07377 Metro Line 2 and 9, Sports Complex Station - This large sports complex centered around Jamsil Olympic Stadium was built in 1976 and played host to most of the competitions in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Though its heady Olympic heydays are long past, this sports complex is still very much active and frequently hosts various cultural and sporting events, most frequently concerts and baseball games. At Jamsil Baseball Stadium, Doosan Bears and LG Twins are home to this arena. Baseball here is very popular. It is, in fact, probably the most popular team sport in the entire country. You can feel the craze during the match. Booking tickets is tricky for non-Korean speakers. It's probably best to book tickets through an agency or third party instead of directly online.
Lotte World - 37.51334, 127.10015 Metro Line 2, Jamsil Station - This complex has a Lotte Department Store, a theatre which hosts the show Ballerina Who Loves a B-Boy, a Lotte luxury hotel, a large indoor ice skating rick, and a traditional Korean folk museum. However, what it is most famous for is one of the world's largest indoor theme park. Lots of rides, and reopened in the summer of 2007 after a massive reconstruction. Though it may seem attractive on a rainy day, remember that others will have the same idea. Especially on the weekends and on holidays, if it's raining, watch out for mind-numbing lines.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Seoul/Songpa

Garak Market 298 Garak-dong, Songpa-gu 37.495, 127.11 Metro Line 8, Garak Market Station - This is an enormous farmer's and fish market.
Garden5 - 37.477623, 127.124977 Metro Line 8, Jangji Station - This is a large, very new mall and shopping complex that is part of the neighborhood government's efforts to make Songpa more of a center of culture and commerce. This complex is somewhat of a hybrid, selling both consumer goods and acting as a distribution center for manufacturers and wholesalers.

Lotte Department Store - 37.511217, 127.098219 Metro Line 2, Jamsil Station - Part of the above-mentioned complex that includes Lotte World and the Lotte Department Store here is your standard Korean Department Store - except, of course, all the other attractions attached to it.

Olympic-ro 37.511457, 127.076473 Metro Line 2, Sincheon Stn - The stretch of road from the sports complex to Lotte World has a fair number of stores and cafes here, and they're open quite late because of the nearby Sincheon nightlife area (see below). Nothing special, you'll find the typical clothing and gadget stores you find everywhere else.

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/Songpa

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