South Korea attracts more and more Muslim travelers

The number of Muslim tourists in South Korea has grown significantly in recent years. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, arrivals increased from around 360,000 visitors in 2022 to 800,000 in 2023, then to more than 1 million in 2024, and nearly 998,000 Muslim tourists had already visited the country in October 2025, suggesting that the threshold of one million visits will be exceeded for the second year in a row. This dynamism is accompanied by a change expectations: Muslim travelers are increasingly looking to discover local cuisine while respecting their food preferences, beyond the classic options offered so far. This pushes restaurants, hotels and tourism players to expand their “Muslim-friendly” offers, integrating for example adapted menus, prayer spaces or services designed for an international clientele.

This turning point represents a notable opportunity for the South Korean tourism sector. By responding to these new demands, South Korea is not only attracting a wider audience: it is also enriching its international image, diversifying its sources of tourism growth and promoting cultural exchanges. Ultimately, this development could contribute to sustainably strengthening the country’s attractiveness on the global travel scene.