Seoul Central Mosque

## History & Founding Seoul Central Mosque (서울중앙성원) stands as the oldest and most significant mosque in South Korea. Before its construction, Korean Muslims gathered in a makeshift prayer hall in downtown Seoul. The turning point came in 1969 when President Park Chung-hee donated approximately 5,000 square meters of land in Hannam-dong, Itaewon, as part of an effort to strengthen diplomatic ties with Middle Eastern nations. Saudi Arabia and several other Islamic countries funded the construction, which began in October 1974. On May 21, 1976, the mosque officially opened — marking the start of a new chapter for Korea's Muslim community. ## Timeline - 1955 — Korean Muslim Society (predecessor to KMF) established; first Korean converts gather - 1969 — President Park Chung-hee donates 5,000 m² of land in Hannam-dong for the mosque - 1974 — Construction begins with funding from Saudi Arabia and the Islamic world - 1976-05-21 — Seoul Central Mosque officially opens with documented municipal ceremony - 1990 — Itaewon becomes a multicultural hub; mosque congregation grows significantly - 2000 — Muslim resident population expands; mosque serves increasingly diverse community - 2024 — Renovations completed: new ceiling calligraphy by Turkish artisans, dome repainted blue ## Architecture & Facilities The mosque features a central prayer hall with a capacity of approximately 700 worshippers, with a separate women's prayer section on the upper floor. The minaret rises prominently above the Itaewon hilltop. Inside, the complex includes: - Main prayer hall (men, ground floor) - Women's prayer room (upper level) - Islamic library and research center - Classrooms for Arabic language and Quran education - Administrative offices of the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF) - Ablution facilities with separate areas ## The Korea Muslim Federation (KMF) The mosque serves as the national headquarters of the KMF, which was established in 1967. The KMF oversees Muslim affairs nationwide, manages the 14 official mosque branches across Korea, and issues Halal certification for food products and establishments. Friday Jumu'ah prayer is delivered in Arabic, Korean, and English to accommodate the diverse congregation of Korean nationals, workers from Southeast Asia, Middle Eastern residents, and Muslim visitors. ## Cultural & Community Role Located at the top of the Itaewon hill, the mosque has become an integral part of Seoul's multicultural landscape. The surrounding Itaewon neighborhood hosts dozens of halal restaurants, Arabic grocery stores, and international businesses that serve the area's Muslim community. The mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors during non-prayer times and offers introductory sessions on Islam, making it both a house of worship and a cultural bridge. ## Practical Information - **Address:** 39, Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울시 용산구 우사단로10길 39) - **Phone:** 02-793-6908 - **Access:** Walk up the hill from Itaewon Station (Line 6), Exit 3, approximately 10 minutes - **Dress code:** Modest clothing required for entry; headscarves provided for women at entrance - **Non-Muslim visitors:** Welcome outside prayer times; contact in advance for guided visits - **Friday prayer:** Jumu'ah approximately 13:00–14:00 (confirm current timing)