Halal Business and Halal Technology in Korea: History, Concepts, Research Opportunities

Abstract

Purpose -This paper focuses on the Halal business opportunity, Halal technology and Halal research in Korea. This paper seeks to provide knowledge and generate new insight on Halal business potential in Korea, as well as proposing area for future research opportunities.

 Design/methodology/approach-This review paper used content analysis method to organize Halal related paper in Korea context to provide future research direction to scholars. The review process covers three databases namely Science direct, Scopus and Ebsco Business Source Complete. Content analysis on the web are also undertaken to develop conceptual deliberation on Halal History in Korea, as well as Halal technology application and Halal business potential in Korea.

 Findings – There is a growing demand on Halal product in Korea and there are seven category of halal business in Korea that industry and policy maker could focus on. Technology is considered as a key for competitive advantage in Halal industry especially in traceability and tracking purpose, communication within the Halal network. It is clearly shows a big opportunity for Korea to expand on Halal business and Halal research should also be commenced in Korea. Exploratory study is seen to be the appropriate method in developing Halal study and enhancing Halal theory in Korea. The findings indicate that very little number of research on Halal has been conducted in Korea, from the three database search, less than 10 articles are focus on Halal studies in Korea (two in 2018 and the rest was published in 2016). 

 Research Limitations/ implications – The review is limited to articles appears in three databases only and published in academic year of 2015 to 2018.  This research should be supplemented by empirical research, particularly in case study method.

 Originality/Value –The principal contribution of this paper is to facilitate both Korea government and Halal business players in Korea to foster their Halal business in Korea and achieve business optimum in the evolving global Halal economy. In addition to this, this paper also provides frontiers topic in Halal business for researchers to be explored.

Paper type: General Review