Last year, some 3,000 people from the United Arab Emirates received medical care in South Korean hospitals, and these patients must consume food prepared according to Islamic law, known as halal. (Image Credit: Christopher Maquette / Flickr)
SEOUL, May 27 (Korea Bizwire) – As the number of patients from the Middle East has been growing in South Korea, specialty food normally found only in restaurants is being served at leading hospitals around the country.
Records from the Health and Welfare Ministry and medical institutions showed a steady increase in the number of patients from Middle Eastern countries. Last year, some 3,000 people from the United Arab Emirates received medical care in South Korean hospitals, and these patients must consume food prepared according to Islamic law, known as halal.
Seoul National University Hospital developed 22 new menu items ranging from soups and appetizers to salads and main dishes since May of last year. Hospital officials said staff members went on business trips to buy cooking materials and ingredients needed for halal foods that were not locally available.
Severance Hospital similarly said it is extra careful to ensure that ingredients strictly meet requirements when used in halal food.
Going a step further, Samsung Medical Center reported that it is also attentive to Muslim observances such as Ramadan, when eating is banned from sunrise to sunset. Hospital officials said they provide a special dinner menu during the period, and increase the size of the portions.
By M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
