Korea will be hosting the third annual Halal Food Festival from August 16 to October 14, for 60 days, in order to attract more Muslim visitors to Korea.

Since its first launch in 2016, the event has aimed to make Korea a Muslim-friendly tourist destination. In the past, Muslims visiting Korea have had difficulties due to the lack of the reliable restaurants that serve halal dishes or the food. The food festival will promote Korea’s Muslim-friendly infrastructure using partner restaurants, discounts and other activities.

This year a total of 147 partners (123 Muslim-friendly restaurants, 24 major tourist attractions and experience programs), 27 partners increased comparing to last year, will join the food festival. A coupon book that includes discounts that can be used at designated Muslim-friendly restaurants, other tourist attractions and activities, will be shared with tourists.

The 2018 Halal Food Festival will kick-off with the Halal Restaurant Week Korea, at Hall A in COEX in Gangnam-gu District, Seoul for three days from August 16 to 18. During the week, Muslim chefs’ will hold special cooking demonstrations and offer cooking classes to learn how to make Korean-halal fusion food. The Halal Trade Expo Korea, a halal industry trade exhibition, will be simultaneously hosted and a number of programs such as the business meetings for halal industry and cultural events will also support the food festival.