Anchor: In an effort to better accommodate Muslim tourists, South Korea plans to adopt a five-tier restaurant classification system. It will also expand the number of Muslim-only prayer rooms at major tourist spots. 
Our Kim In-kyung has more.
 
Report: South Korea will introduce a five-tier restaurant classification system to better accommodate visitors from Islamic countries.
 
A tourism ministry official said Monday that it will roll out next year the rating dubbed “Muslim Friendly Restaurants System” to increase the number of dining options available to Muslim tourists.
 
The rating system will be composed of five classifications including halal certified, self-certified, Muslim-friendly, Muslim-welcome and pork free.
 
A committee from the government and private sector will evaluate restaurants that apply to be classified by the rating system.
 
Currently in South Korea, there are only five halal restaurants certified by the Korea Muslim Federation.
 
The tourism ministry and the Korea Tourism Organization will issue a guidebook on Muslim-friendly restaurants to be distributed to travel agencies and Muslim countries.
 
The ministry also plans to upgrade its prayer room at Incheon International Airport and expand the number of Muslim-only prayer rooms at major tourist spots.
 
To improve people's understanding of Islamic culture, the South Korean government will hold seminars and education sessions for travel industry representatives and produce a three-part documentary on pursuing business in Muslim regions.
 
In order to increase the number of individual tourists to Korea, the government will hold on-the-road briefing sessions for travel agencies in Muslim countries and increase the number of familiarization trips for travel agents to Korea. The government will also create a travel package for Muslims wanting to visit the demilitarized zone.
 
The government will also support the Korea Tourism Organization and the travel industry to participate in international expos in Muslim regions such as the Riyadh Travel Fair in April and the International Islamic Expo in Indonesia in November.
Kim In-kyung, KBS World Radio News.