1. Ancient Encounters: Unified Silla & Early Arab-Persian Geographers (9th Century)
The earliest recorded foreign descriptions of Korea in Islamic scholarship date to the renowned Persian-Arab geographer Ibn Khordadbeh (c. 820–885 CE) in "Kitab al-Masalik wal-Mamalik" (Book of Roads and Kingdoms, c. 845–848 CE). He documented "Al-Shila" (Unified Silla) as an affluent and fertile land east of China, praising its pure air, fresh springs, and abundance of gold and fine silk, noting that foreign merchants who visited Silla often chose to settle permanently. Similar accounts were verified by subsequent historians such as Al-Masudi in "Muruj adh-Dhahab" (943 CE) and Al-Idrisi.
Archaeological discoveries in the ancient capital of Gyeongju corroborate this direct interaction: western-featured guardian statues at the tomb of King Wonseong (Gwoereung) and Gyerim-ro, along with Persian-style glassware and inlaid daggers, demonstrate that Middle Eastern traders actively reached Silla via maritime networks coordinated by Admiral Jang Bogo and the Cheonghaejin garrison.
2. The Goryeo Era: Muslim Merchants & the Settlement of the Huihui Community (10th–14th Centuries)
During the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392 CE), the presence of Muslim merchants and scholars—recorded in Korean annals as Daeshiguk (대식국/大食國, derived from Tajik/Tazi) and later Huihui (회회/回回)—reached substantial institutional depth. The Goryeosa (History of Goryeo) records that in 924 CE, during the reign of King Taejo, an Arab-Persian delegation led by a merchant named Hasan arrived at Gaegyeong (the capital), followed in 1024 CE by a massive delegation of 100 Muslim merchants led by Radwan, presenting mercury, pearls, and rare medicinal goods to King Hyeonjong.
During the late Goryeo period (13th century), a Central Asian Muslim scholar-administrator named Samga arrived with the Mongol imperial bride. King Chungnyeol held him in high esteem, bestowing upon him the prestigious Korean surname and name Jang Sun-yong (장순용), making him the founding ancestor of the Deoksu Jang clan (덕수 장씨), from whom tens of thousands of contemporary Koreans descend. Historical records also note the construction of an Islamic prayer hall/assembly building in Gaegyeong termed "Yegung" (예궁/禮宮).
3. The Joseon Dynasty: Islamic Astronomy & Calendar Reform under King Sejong (15th Century)
Scientific interaction reached its zenith under King Sejong the Great (reigned 1418–1450 CE), the creator of the Hangul script. King Sejong commanded court royal astronomers to master the "Huihui Lifa" (회회력법 / Islamic Calendrical and Astronomical Science) to compute solar and lunar eclipses with unprecedented accuracy, directly incorporating Islamic astronomical parameters into the seminal Korean astronomical treatise "Chiljeongsan" (칠정산).
The Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty document that Muslim community leaders regularly participated in grand court ceremonies wearing traditional robes and turbans, reciting Quranic verses and blessings. In 1427 CE (the 9th year of King Sejong), an imperial assimilation edict integrated foreign court dress into standard Korean protocol, leading to the gradual blending of distinct communal appearances into mainstream Joseon society while preserving their scientific legacy.
4. The Modern Rebirth: The Turkish Armed Forces Brigade in the Korean War (1950–1953)
The modern chapter of Islam in Korea was forged during the Korean War (1950–1953) with the deployment of the Turkish Armed Forces Brigade (approx. 15,000 troops) under the United Nations Command. Beyond renowned battlefield courage in engagements such as Kumyangjang-ni, the brigade left a profound humanitarian impact: chaplain Abdul Ghafoor Karaismailoğlu established tent prayer facilities, and Turkish officers founded the "Ankara School" (앙카라 학원) in Suwon, sheltering, feeding, and educating hundreds of Korean war orphans.
Deeply moved by the exemplary conduct and compassion of the Turkish troops, pioneering Korean citizens embraced Islam, among them Abdullah Kim Do-hwan and Umar Kim Jin-kyu. In September 1955, the "Korean Muslim Society" was officially established in Seoul, marking the institutional genesis of the contemporary Korean Muslim community.
5. Institutional Foundation: Korea Muslim Federation & Seoul Central Mosque (1965–1976)
In 1965, the organization was formally chartered by the Ministry of Culture and Information as the "Korea Muslim Federation" (KMF, 한국이슬람교중앙회). During the 1970s Middle East economic boom, when Korean construction firms undertook major projects across the Gulf, the Korean government under President Park Chung-hee granted a prime 5,000 m² plot on the hills of Hannam-dong (Itaewon, Seoul) in 1970 to foster intercultural and diplomatic ties.
Funded generously by contributions from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Libya, Qatar, and other Islamic partner states, construction culminated in the dedication of Seoul Central Mosque on May 21, 1976, attended by high-ranking dignitaries from over 17 Muslim nations. The complex features dual 31-meter minarets, a magnificent domed prayer hall, KMF administrative offices, and Prince Sultan Islamic School.
6. Nationwide Expansion: Regional Mosques in Busan, Jeonju, Gwangju & Industrial Hubs (1980s–1990s)
Islamic infrastructure expanded steadily across South Korea to serve university students, resident professionals, and regional communities. In 1980, Busan Al-Fatah Mosque opened in Geumjeong-gu near Dusil Station, supported by Libyan civic funding. In 1981, Gyeonggi Gwangju Mosque opened in Yeok-dong, followed in 1985 by Jeonju Mosque (Abu Bakr al-Siddiq Mosque), notable for its architectural harmony integrating traditional Korean tiled eaves (Hanok style) beneath an Islamic dome.
During the 1990s and 2000s, as skilled specialists, engineers, and international workers arrived from countries such as Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, vibrant Islamic centers were founded in major industrial and research corridors, including Ansan Multicultural Village, Suwon, Bupyeong (Incheon), Gimhae, Daegu, and Daejeon adjacent to KAIST and Daedeok Science Town.
7. Contemporary Korea: Certified Halal Infrastructure, Academia & Global Community
Today, South Korea is home to an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 Muslims, encompassing Korean citizens, international researchers, tech entrepreneurs, university students, and long-term residents. Korea has developed a rigorous institutional halal framework through the KMF Halal Committee, which maintains formal mutual recognition agreements with global regulatory authorities including JAKIM (Malaysia) and BPJPH/MUI (Indonesia).
International gateways (such as Incheon International Airport Terminals 1 & 2), premier convention centers (COEX, KINTEX), and top research universities now provide dedicated, clean prayer rooms with ablution facilities. Simultaneously, certified halal dining allows visitors and residents to experience authentic Korean cuisine with complete peace of mind, exemplifying mutual respect and progressive multicultural hospitality.
845–848 CE
First Islamic Record of Korea by Ibn Khordadbeh (Al-Shila)
Persian-Arab geographer Ibn Khordadbeh authored the earliest recorded foreign description of Korea ("Al-Shila"), describing a fertile land rich in gold, gemstones, and silk where arriving Muslim traders chose to reside.
Significance: Corroborated by Persian glassware and exotic scabbards excavated from royal Silla tumuli in Gyeongju, confirming active maritime exchange via Admiral Jang Bogo's trade network.
Sources: Ibn Khordadbeh, "Kitab al-Masalik wal-Mamalik" (845–848 CE) · Al-Masudi, "Muruj adh-Dhahab" (943 CE) · National Museum of Korea, Gyeongju Silla Artifacts Research Archive
924–1024 CE
Muslim Merchant Delegations Arrive in Goryeo Capital (Hasan & Radwan)
Official Korean court chronicle Goryeosa records the arrival of Muslim trader Hasan in 924 CE under King Taejo, followed in 1024 CE by a delegation of 100 merchants led by Radwan presenting rare goods to King Hyeonjong.
Significance: The Goryeo dynasty established an open trade port at Byeokrando, granting tax incentives and residential quarters to Middle Eastern traders.
Sources: Goryeosa (History of Goryeo), Vol. 1 & Vol. 5 · Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) Historical Trade Papers
1270s CE
Samga Settles in Goryeo, Founding the Korean Deoksu Jang Clan
Central Asian Muslim official Samga arrived in Goryeo with the royal court. King Chungnyeol granted him official status and the Korean surname Jang (Jang Sun-yong), founding the Deoksu Jang clan.
Significance: Historical texts record an Islamic community gathering site in Gaegyeong termed "Yegung" (Hall of Rites), where residents practiced Islamic rituals.
Sources: Goryeosa (Biographies of Loyal Subjects, Jang Sun-yong) · Genealogy of the Deoksu Jang Clan (덕수장씨세보)
1420s–1442 CE
King Sejong Adopts Islamic Astronomy for Korea's Calendar (Chiljeongsan)
King Sejong instructed Joseon royal astronomers to study the Huihui Lifa (Islamic Astronomical System), directly utilizing its planetary calculations to complete Korea's sovereign calendar Chiljeongsan.
Significance: The Veritable Records of Joseon detail that Muslim residents held recitations during court ceremonies prior to standardizing official ceremonial attire in 1427.
Sources: Joseon Wangjo Sillok (Veritable Records of King Sejong, 1423, 1427, 1442) · History of Korean Science and Technology, National Science Museum
1950–1953 CE
Turkish Armed Forces Brigade Deployed in Korean War; Ankara School Founded
Over 15,000 Turkish troops served under the UN Command. Brigade chaplain Abdul Ghafoor Karaismailoğlu led prayer services, and soldiers founded the Ankara School in Suwon, sheltering hundreds of war orphans.
Significance: The humanitarian brotherhood established between Turkish soldiers and Korean civilians inspired the first wave of modern Korean conversions to Islam.
Sources: Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA), Republic of Korea · Turkish Armed Forces Historical Archives (Kore Türk Tugayı) · Korea Muslim Federation 50-Year Commemorative History
September 1955 CE
Founding of the Korean Muslim Society (First Modern National Body)
Pioneering Korean converts, including Abdullah Kim Do-hwan and Umar Kim Jin-kyu, formally inaugurated the Korean Muslim Society in Seoul, conducting organized community prayers.
Significance: Turkish chaplain Zübeyir Koç gave foundational lectures in Seoul, helping build an initial registered congregation of over 200 Korean Muslims.
Sources: Korea Muslim Federation Historical Records (1955–2005) · Seoul Metropolitan Government Religious Registry Records
1965 CE
Korea Muslim Federation (KMF) Officially Chartered by Government
The Ministry of Culture and Information officially granted legal nonprofit religious incorporation to the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF), creating the permanent national governing body.
Significance: Official recognition paved the way for robust cultural and diplomatic engagements with Middle Eastern partner states and the Muslim World League.
Sources: KMF Official Charter Document (Registered 1965) · Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Corporation Registry
May 21, 1976 CE
Dedication of Seoul Central Mosque in Hannam-dong (Itaewon)
On a 5,000 m² site donated by the Korean government in Hannam-dong and funded by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and allied Muslim nations, Seoul Central Mosque officially opened, attended by dignitaries from 17 Islamic nations.
Significance: Featuring twin 31-meter minarets and Prince Sultan Islamic School, the mosque became an iconic cultural landmark of Seoul and the national center for Friday and Eid prayers.
Sources: KMF Seoul Central Mosque Archive & Opening Commemorative Book (1976) · Dong-A Ilbo & Kyunghyang Shinmun Archives (May 22, 1976) · Yonhap News Historic Photo Archive
1980–1985 CE
Opening of Regional Mosques: Busan (1980), Gwangju (1981) & Jeonju (1985)
Regional expansion gained momentum with Busan Al-Fatah Mosque opening in 1980, Gyeonggi Gwangju Mosque in 1981, and Jeonju Mosque in 1985 featuring a dome surrounded by traditional Hanok tiled eaves.
Significance: These regional institutions provided worship and community services for international students and resident workers across southeastern and southwestern Korea.
Sources: Busan Islamic Center Historical Records · Jeonju Cultural Heritage and Religion Survey · Korea Tourism Organization Muslim Friendly Guide
2000s CE
Establishment of Ansan Mosque in Korea's Multicultural Hub
Ansan Mosque was established in the designated Multicultural Village of Wongok-dong (Gyeonggi), serving the dense population of Muslim professionals and workers with multilingual Friday services.
Significance: The center conducts sermons in multiple languages and coordinates social support, Korean language instruction, and verified halal butchery networks.
Sources: Ansan City Multicultural Policy Archives · KMF Regional Center Records
2013–2018 CE
KMF Halal Certification Standardization & Mutual Recognition with JAKIM/BPJPH
The KMF Halal Committee secured landmark mutual recognition agreements with Malaysia's JAKIM in 2013 and Indonesia's BPJPH/MUI, standardizing audited halal certification across Korean food and hospitality sectors.
Significance: Spurred the certified adaptation of authentic Korean culinary staples (Bulgogi, Samgyetang, Tteokbokki) with certified ingredients for Muslim diners.
Sources: Korea Muslim Federation Halal Committee Official Gazette · JAKIM Recognized Foreign Halal Certification Bodies (FHCB) · Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) Halal Industry Report
Present
A Thriving Muslim Community & Modern Prayer Infrastructure Across Korea
Over 16 verified mosques and prominent prayer rooms in Incheon Airport (T1/T2), Gimpo, COEX, KINTEX, and major national universities operate alongside certified halal restaurants across Seoul, Busan, Ansan, Daegu, and Jeju.
Significance: Reflecting a mature multicultural South Korea that honors its 1,200-year history of peaceful engagement with the Islamic world.
Sources: Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Muslim-Friendly Tourism Resources (2026) · Incheon International Airport Corporation Facility Directory · Korea Muslim Federation Annual Community Report