Muslim community in Busan, South Korea : its development, challenges and future prospects

Abstract

Islam began to spread in South Korea, particularly after the Korean War (1950-53), especially at Seoul, the main metropolitan city in the country. Since most literature on Islam and Muslims centred on Seoul, there is limited work, especially in English, on Islam and Muslim community in Busan. Even the actual number of Muslims residing there remains inconclusive despite their existence since 1976. Similarly, not much information is available on the condition of the Muslims, including the negative perception held or treatment shown towards the group by the non-Muslim population in the city. Thus, this research aims to introduce the Muslim community in the south tip of South Korea called Busan, which is not known to many, by focusing on the role and contributions of local and foreign Muslim individuals and organisations in developing the Muslim community in the city. With the establishment of Al-Fatah Busan Mosque in 1980, the Muslim community in Busan started to flourish slowly, which saw an increasing number of Muslims, local and foreign, as well as of mosques and Islamic centres. Known as the south gate to South Korea that is famous for its booming seaport activities and various modern industries, Busan has attracted many foreign workers from all around the world, including Muslims from Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, and others, which consequently contributed to the development of Muslim community there. Hence, the research would like to examine the relationship development between Korean and foreign Muslims in Busan and discover the problems and challenges faced by the community as well as future prospects. Using qualitative approach i.e., interviews, observation, and secondary sources, the study provides information on the under-studied topic gathered from different figures and individuals directly involved with establishing and developing the Muslim community in Busan. Information was also derived from non-Muslim South Koreans’ views of Islam and Muslims in South Korea. The findings demonstrated close cooperation between local and foreign Muslims in Busan, best exemplified in various Islamic organisations that exist and are run by both groups in the city. That said, Muslims in Busan are not exempted from problems that make their lives difficult and serve as obstacles for da’wah activities towards non-Muslims. Finally, the study highlights the prospect of the Muslim community in Busan, hoping that with certain incentives and greater efforts, the community will thrive in the future.