Korean Halal Cuisine Takes Over Indonesia
Light House Denver – Korean halal cuisine has become one of South Korea’s main attractions in expanding its tourism reach, especially among Muslim travelers. Through the Wow Korea: Muslim-Friendly K-Travel with Kingdom Friends festival held at Pakuwon Mall Bekasi, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) introduced a range of Muslim-friendly destinations that are emerging as a new strength in the country’s tourism sector.
Kim Ji Sun, Director of KTO Jakarta, stated that this year, the organization is focusing on major Indonesian cities, including Bekasi, due to the strong enthusiasm for Korean culture. “We believe this event will offer an unforgettable experience while increasing interest in traveling to Korea,” she said on Friday, May 23, 2025.
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The three-day festival features various halal K-Food stalls, information on Muslim-friendly restaurants in Seoul, and cultural attractions such as taekwondo, K-Pop dance covers, a performance by Brisia Jodie, and a “Color for You” workshop with Miss Chaebin.
For Muslim visitors, interactive displays provide information about mosques, Korean halal cuisine, and tailored Muslim-friendly travel itineraries in Korea. One of the highlights includes educational content about Seoul Central Mosque and recommended halal restaurants nearby.
Dita (28), a local from Kalibaru, shared her excitement after accidentally stumbling upon the event. “I was just walking around the mall and found this Korean event. The installations are so cute, and I even got to try on a traditional drama costume. It was so much fun!” she said.
Another crowd favorite was the Random Play Dance (RPD) competition. Over 40 participants showcased their skills dancing to popular K-Pop songs. Diki (26), a civil servant, even joined in while still wearing his office batik. “Liking Korean stuff used to feel weird, but now it’s totally fine, even something to be proud of,” he shared.
According to KTO data, the number of Indonesian tourists visiting Korea rose by 30% in the first quarter of 2025. Bekasi was chosen as a host city due to its potential as a market for cultural and family tourism. The festival runs until May 25 and is free to the public.
The festival also highlighted the growing Muslim community in South Korea. Adam Choi, a local Muslim mentor, noted that around 20 Koreans convert to Islam each month, often beginning with curiosity about the call to prayer. “They’re drawn to the sound of the adhan, start learning to pray and read the Quran, and eventually take their shahada,” he explained.
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