3D2N Muslim-Friendly Itinerary to Busan
When one thinks of Busan, the image of a zombie-chase-on-a-train thriller may pop to mind. But in reality, Busan is far from the land of a zombie-free escape, and more of a perfect getaway for a holiday! From breathtaking views to delicious, Muslim-friendly meals, we’ve planned the perfect 4-Days-3-Nights Muslim-Friendly Travel Itinerary, just for you!
DAY 1
1. Visit Busan Al-Fatah Mosque
Start your trip with a visit to the Busan Al-Fatah Mosque. As this mosque is a little out of city, you may need a few hours to explore the only mosque in Busan. With a small community of only 200 active Muslims in Busan, the mosque is often host community events throughout the year. You can also grab halal-certified food from the restaurant next door.
Information
Address: 123-9 Geumdan-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Phone: +8051-518-9991
Halal Info: There is a Halal restaurant called Cappadocia Turkish Kebab next to the mosque.
More info about Busan Al-Fatah MosqueDiscover more reviews and photos of the mosque on the Halal Navi app!
2. Take a ride on Songdo Sky Walk and Cable Car
Enjoy the sensational view of Songdo Beach foamy waves crashing gently upon the coastline from the 365-meter long Songdo Skywalk. You can also take the 10-minute cable car, with two options of “regular” cabin, or for the daring, you can opt for “Crystal” cabin with glass-panelled floors! There is a fun outdoor park with animated dinosaur structures and a open-air food court to grab some drinks, as you wait to catch sunset from the peak!
Information
Address: 50, Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan
Phone: +82-51-240-4086
More info about Songdo Skywalk and Cablecar
Don’t forget to use the Halal Navi app to locate Muslim-friendly restaurants nearest to you post skywalk
3. Participate in Fishcake Making Workshop @ Goraesa Fishcake, Hauendae
Escape the cold from the heat by learning to make your very own famous Busan emouk (fish cake) at Goreasa Fishcake, a premium fishcake factory in Busan. Compete with your family and friends on who makes the best-looking fishcakes!
Address: 14, Gunam-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Phone: +821577-9820
Halal Info: Made from seafood
More info about Goraesa Fishcake
4. Dinner @ Hello India-Alwaha, Haeundae
You must be famished after a long day of travel! Grab some hearty Indian cuisine from this self-Halal-Certified outlet. Nothing beats the piping hot naan dipped in the rich and buttery Chicken Tikka Masala! We also recommend the tandoori chicken.Review on Halal Navi app:
Overall, it was a good choice to have dinner here with the nice ambience.- Hj Azman
Information:
Address: 23, Gunam-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Phone: +851-731-2015
Halal Info: Halal menu available
More info about Hello India-AlwahaHave you been here?
Add your review and photos on the Halal Navi app so other Muslim travellers can review them on their travel to Busan!
DAY 2
5. Visit Gamcheong Culture Village, “Santorini” of Asia
Also known as the Machu Picchu of Southeast Asia, prepare yourself to enjoy a nice stroll along a picturesque view in this quaint little hillside village, with twisted paths and alleys with many secret spots. Find the Little Prince spot and “book” staircase. Please note that there are locals staying amongst the painted buildings, so keep the noise level to a medium!
Information:
Address: 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
Phone: +82-51-291-1444
More info about Gamcheong Culture Village
Don’t forget to download and use the Halal Navi app to locate Muslim-friendly restaurants nearest to you after visiting Gamcheong Culture Village.
6. Lunch @ Seoul Samgyetang
Slurp on Korea’s traditional chicken ginseng soup! It arrived on our table bubbling hot, definitely perfect for a cold Winter day! As you poke through the dish, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by abalone in the dish as well. A quick tip: They have provided table salt for you to add into every spoonful of chicken goodness so you can adjust accordingly to your own taste preference.
Information:
Address: 36 Nampo-gil, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan
Phone: +82 51-245-3696
Halal info: Pork-free
More info about Seoul Samgyetang
Have you been here? Add your review and photos on the Halal Navi app so other Muslim travellers can review them on their travel to Busan!
7. Browse through Jagaichi Seafood Market, Fresh and Unique Seafood!
Busan is Korea’s largest port city and known for their array of fresh seafood. Drop by the Jagaichi Seafood Market for the freshest catch of the day. For some of us, we saw new types of seafood for the first time during our visit to the market. For the less squeamish, you may opt to select your own “live” seafood and have the stall owner from the indoor market to cook it for you fresh on the spot.
Information:
Address: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Phone: +82 51-713-8000
More info about Jagalchi Seafood Market
8. Enjoy BIFF Square & Gwangbok Fashion Street!
For film lovers, BIFF Square is a must-visit, as you can view handprints from famous film industry figures! Another attraction are the various food stalls and fashion stores for you to shop to your heart’s content! If you’re here in December, you can also enjoy the beautiful street illuminations and performances centered around the Busan Christmas Tree Festival!
Address: 20, BIFF gwangjang-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
Phone: +82-51-253-8523
More info about BIFF quare
9. Dinner @ Namcheon Sutbul Jangeogui!
As Busan is known for their array of wonderful seafood dishes, you must try the famous Gwangyang-style charcoal-grilled eel. It is filleted and grilled on a charcoal platter right before you, served with various side dishes and sauce for you to customized your every bite. A quick tip is to place everything into a lettuce salad, wrap it up and eat it in one big bite!
Information:
Address: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Phone: +82 51-713-8000
Halal Info: Muslim-friendly, prayer room available
More info about Namcheon Sutbul Jangeogui
Have you eaten here? Add your review and photos on the Halal Navi app so other Muslim travellers can review them on their travel to Busan!
DAY 3
10. Jimjjilbang Spa Land Centum City, Busan’s Largest Spa
Jimjjilbang, a public bathhouse, is a very popular activity in South Korea. Spa Land is equipped with all the benefits of a traditional Korean spa and can fit up to 1,500 pax! Start with a refreshing outdoor foot spa, followed by a trip to their various sauna (please note these rooms are not separated by gender, and you are required to change into top and bottom provided by the spa). The changing room (and shower) however, are gender-separated. Do note that the shower area requires for you to be naked, so if you are uncomfortable, you can opt to shower back at your own accommodations.
Information:
Address: 35, Centumnam-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Phone: +82-51-745-2900
More info about Spa Land Centum City
Don’t forget to download and use the Halal Navi app to locate Muslim-friendly restaurants nearest to you.
11. Shop 'Til You Drop @ Shinsigae, World’s Largest Department Store
Before heading back to your homeland, don’t forget to browse through this iconic department store for some souvenirs for your loved ones. With fourteen floors covering food market, food hall, luxury boutiques, endless clothing and apparel brands, you need a few good hours to appreciate the grand premium department store. With just one hour to explore, yours truly barely skimmed the surface with even just the first floor.
Information:
Address: 35 Centumnam-daero, U-dong, Haeundae, Busan
Phone: +82-1588-1234
More info about Shinsegae
12. Check out the Busan Cinema Center, “Cannes” of Asia!
Located opposite Centum City, the Busan Cinema Center is one of the most popular tourist destination in Busan due to its unique architecture and role in the entertainment industry, and contains a theater, indoor and outdoor cinemas, convention halls, office spaces, creative studios and dining areas. Due to its’ sheer size, many Korean AND international film premiers are held here. Their outdoor cinema theater can fit up to 4,000 pax! At night time, the building comes “alive” with its cinematic lighting and stunning visual, graphic displays.
Information:
Address: 120, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Phone: +82-51-780-6000
More info about Busan Cinema Center
Additional Notes on Muslim-Friendly/ Halal Meals
All of the restaurants we visited were included under the Muslim-Friendly Restaurants in Korea Guidebook created by Korean Tourism Board specially for Muslim travellers to be more aware and at ease when dining in South Korea. As such, they have classified their restaurants to four categories, with additional pictograms for further information. We advice you to take their guidebook into consideration, as well as your own judgment when dining out.
Many thanks to the Korea Tourism Organization Malaysia for organizing and sponsoring our trip to Busan from December 2, 2018 to December 4, 2018.
And, if you want to discover more Muslim-friendly eateries during your travels in South Korea, don’t forget to download our app, Halal Navi! You can search for Muslim-friendly restaurants nearby, check reviews and halal tips from other users about the restaurant, and navigate to the restaurant location.