Ijtihad Network Being Wise and Faithful Muslim in the Contemporary World
South Korea is encouraging local restaurants to serve up halal food by introducing a new certification system, according to the country’s tourism agency.
An official at the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) revealed that 200 halal eateries will be highlighted in a guide to be published this August.
Restaurants will be certified based on five levels — from those who fully comply with the requirements of the Korea Muslim Federation to places that simply keep pork off the menu.
KTO records show that 740,000 Muslim tourisms visited the South last year, most of whom came from Malaysia and Indonesia — Turkish citizens accounted for nearly 20,000 visitors in 2015.
With the total expected to rise to 800,000 this year, South Korea has apparently recognized the need to keep up.
Capital city Seoul features several Turkish food options, and the KTO has already recognized some of them among 140 halal restaurants in the county.
At least a few of the establishments on the updated list will serve Korean food.
Islam considers the eating of dog — or cat — haram as the consumption of carnivorous animal products is prohibited.
