Yes, there are Muslims in Korea, forming a small but present minority, with estimates around 100,000-200,000 people, mostly foreigners, centered in Seoul with key mosques like the Seoul Central Mosque in Itaewon. While a tiny fraction of the population, Islam has historical roots and is seeing growth, though facing challenges like misunderstanding and anti-Muslim sentiment, alongside increasing halal food availability and community support.
The Muslim community is centered in Seoul and Busan and there are a few mosques around the country. According to the Korea Muslim Federation, there are about 200,000 Muslims living in South Korea, and about 70 to 80 percent are foreigners. Seoul alone has 40% of South Korea's total Muslim population.
Islam is growing in South Korea. Monthly Islamic courses held by the Korea Muslim Federation at Seoul Central Masjid are inspiring many Koreans to embrace Islam and learn its beautiful basics.
They are part of a small and growing group of Korean Muslims, numbering 35,000. As many as 3,000 South Koreans convert to Islam every year, according to the KMF.
If you walk uphill along Usadan-gil in Hannam-dong, a neighborhood in Itaewon, Yongsan District, you will find an impressive arabesque-style mosque featuring a dome and traditional Islamic patterns. This is the Seoul Central Mosque, the first and largest place of worship for Muslims in Korea.
Prayer Rooms
To make Korea a Muslim-friendly destination, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) encourages local governments and tourist attractions to prepare a space for prayer. Prayer mats and Quibla compasses have been distributed by KTO to hotels with multi-faith/prayer rooms.
South Korea's 52-hour work rule caps most employees' weekly working hours at 52, consisting of 40 standard hours plus 12 allowed overtime hours, aiming to reduce overwork, improve work-life balance, and boost productivity by ending excessively long workweeks previously common in the country. Implemented in phases for different company sizes, this law applies to a seven-day week, including weekends, and was a major revision to the Labor Standards Act, phasing in from 2018 to 2021 for most businesses.
Is it safe to wear the hijab in Korea? Absolutely. Most Koreans are respectful and often curious in a positive way. You can wear your hijab or modest clothing confidently, especially in tourist areas.
Buddhism was influential in ancient times while Christianity had influenced large segments of the population in the 18th and 19th century. However, they grew rapidly in membership only by the mid-20th century, as part of the profound transformations that South Korean society went through in the past century.
By 2030, India is expected to have the world's largest Muslim population, estimated at around 249 million people. Demographic projections suggest India may overtake Indonesia due to its large population base and consistent growth rates. Despite this, Muslims will continue to remain a minority in India.
The two venues mentioned above are the only places where there is a strict clothing requirement within North Korea. During your stay on the tour there are no other restrictions. If you have tattoos, piercings, facial hair, or prefer wearing hijab/niqab or blue jeans this is no issue.
Embassy staff from other Islamic countries in North Korea, including Sunnis, visit the mosque for worship. The mosque hosts Friday prayers attended by Muslim embassy staff from various countries regardless of sect. The mosque has hosted high-profile guests such as Ali Khamenei, who visited in May 1989.
Best Halal Food in South Korea for Muslim Travelers
Islam becomes the fastest growing religion in Japan, according to recent study. 🇯🇵 The number of Muslims living in Japan, though small, has more than doubled in the past decade, from 110,000 in 2010 to 230,000 at the end of 2019. The country now boasts more than 110 mosques.
"Jesus" in Korean
The name of Jesus is expressed as 예수 (yesu), and Jesus Christ is 예수 그리스도 (yesu geuriseudo) in Korean.
Countries like China, India, and Indonesia have some of the world's fastest-growing Christian populations, with house churches, underground networks, and missionary influence playing key roles.
The "3 date rule" in Korean dating refers to the common practice of deciding whether to become an official couple after the third date, moving quickly from casual "talking" (sseom) to an exclusive relationship, a faster pace than many Western cultures where dating remains casual for longer. It's an unwritten guideline where the first dates assess compatibility, and by the third, couples often establish commitment, sometimes with "couple items" or frequent communication. While still influential, younger generations (Gen Z) are sometimes moving away from this rigid timeline.
No, we don't. McDonald's does not offer Halal-certified food.
Smart Casual Is King:
For most bars, lounges, and clubs, smart casual is a safe bet. Think well-fitted jeans or trousers, stylish shirts, and polished shoes for men. Women can opt for chic dresses, skirts, or fashionable tops paired with heels or dressy flats.
4B movement, South Korean feminist activist movement and political stance defined by four deliberate refusals: bihon (“no marriage”), bichulsan (“no childbirth”), biyonae (“no dating”), bisekseu (“no sex [with men]”).
According to data from Statistics Korea on Monday, people in the country slept an average of eight hours and four minutes every night last year — some eight minutes less than in 2019, when the previous survey took place.
South Korean law prohibits political activities by foreigners. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
Abdul Rahim is the director of the Korea Muslim Federation and Hussain a leading member of it. The two Koreans availed the opportunity to talk about Islam in Korea reiterating that it is a fast growing religion. The country which had not a single Muslim 36 years ago now has more than 32,500 Muslims.
According to Poi data, as of 2025 there is 208 mosques in South Korea.