South Korea

Islam in South Korea is a small but growing religious minority with an interesting modern presence.

History of Islam in South Korea

Early Contacts:

  • Historical records suggest limited contact between Korea and the Islamic world via Silk Road trade routes during the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392).
  • Some Persian and Arab merchants visited ancient Korean kingdoms, but Islam did not establish permanent roots.

Modern Introduction:

  • Islam formally re-entered Korea during the Korean War (1950–1953) through Turkish troops of the United Nations Command.
  • Turkish soldiers built the first mosque in South Korea near Seoul, sparking local interest in Islam.

Current Islamic Presence:
Population:

  • Estimated 150,000 to 200,000 Muslims in South Korea today.
  • About 40,000–50,000 are Korean converts.

The rest are foreign workers, students, and expatriates from countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Middle Eastern nations.

Mosques & Islamic Centers:

  • The largest mosque is the Seoul Central Mosque (built in 1976) in Itaewon, Seoul’s multicultural district.
  • There are 7 official mosques and 15 prayer rooms across South Korea, mostly in major cities like Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju.

Islamic Organizations:

  • The Korea Muslim Federation (KMF) oversees Islamic affairs in South Korea.
  • Several universities also have Muslim student associations.

Halal & Islamic Services:

  • Halal-certified restaurants are growing, especially in Seoul and Busan.
  • Some supermarkets and online shops offer halal products.
  • Prayer spaces are available at airports, universities, and public venues.

Challenges:

  • Muslims remain a very small minority in a country that is largely secular, Buddhist, or Christian.
  • Some misconceptions or cultural misunderstandings about Islam exist in Korean society.
  • Recent attempts to build mosques (like in Daegu) have faced local opposition.

Despite challenges, interfaith dialogue and awareness efforts are increasing.

Summary:
Islam in South Korea is a small but visible minority, supported by mosques, halal services, and growing local interest (especially among Korean converts). While cultural unfamiliarity remains, the Muslim community is becoming more recognized in South Korea’s increasingly global society.

South Korea
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .kr
Country Code: +82