Staff Writer, Halal Incorp
Hospital service providers across South Korea are now becoming more aware of Muslim patients and their specific needs. The country has a small minority Muslim population but has an increasing number of Muslim tourists visiting the country as well as students. The Islamic dietary requirements revolve around all Muslims only consuming Halal food and drink products. There has been a steady increase in hospital users from Middle Eastern countries.
In 2015 South Korean health records showed that there were around 3000 people mainly from the UAE who had used the medicals services within the country. Muslim patients need food which is suitable for their religious diet and does not contain items such as alcohol or pork. The Seoul National University Hospital stated that they had created an additional 22 fresh items available for Muslim consumers that met halal dietary requirements. Some of these items had to be obtained from other parts of the country or imported as they were not readily available in close proximity to the hospital. Other medical treatment facilities in South Korea such as the Samsung Medical Centre have also taken note of the needs Muslim patients have in relation to food and drink provision.
With the phenomenal rise of Halal tourism in Seoul and the wider Far East region it is imperative that institutions and service providers take note of various issues related to Muslim tourists. South Korea is enhancing their approach to providing products and services for Muslim travellers who stay in the country for a period of time whether short or long term. South Korea is increasing its status as a Muslim friendly travel destination which will help boost tourism and benefit the local economy. This year in August 18th/20th an Halal expo will take place in Seoul, Korea showcasing all halal related products and services available locally and internationally.
For further information on the Halal Expo please visit: http://www.halalexpokorea.co.kr/eng/
Link-> http://www.halalincorp.co.uk/south-korean-hospitals-providing-halal-food-for-muslim-patients/