Understanding Islam in Korea: Immigration Impact

South Korea has long been considered a culturally and religiously homogenous nation, with Christianity and Buddhism occupying the most visible religious spaces. Yet in recent decades, the presence of Islam has quietly but steadily grown—primarily through immigration. As workers, students, and families from Muslim-majority countries make their homes in Korea, Islam is shifting from being perceived as a distant faith to becoming part of the nation’s lived multicultural reality. Understanding this transformation requires examining not only demographics, but also cultural perceptions, challenges of integration, and the evolving role of immigration policy.

The Rise of Islam through Immigration

Islam was first introduced to Korea centuries ago through trade routes, but it did not take root until the late 20th century. Today, the largest growth comes from migrant workers and international students. Immigrants from countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh bring their faith with them, leading to the construction of mosques, halal restaurants, and Islamic cultural centers across cities like Seoul, Ansan, and Daegu. Immigration has therefore been the catalyst for Islam’s presence, giving the religion a concrete and visible place in Korean society.

Multiculturalism and Tensions

While Korea has promoted itself as an increasingly globalized nation, multicultural acceptance remains uneven. Islam, in particular, is often misunderstood. Media portrayals shaped by international politics, coupled with limited direct exposure, sometimes fuel suspicion or stereotypes. This has led to debates about the building of mosques in residential neighborhoods and resistance from locals unaccustomed to Islamic practices. Yet at the same time, younger Koreans who interact with Muslim peers in universities and workplaces are more likely to view Islam through the lens of everyday friendship and shared experience rather than through stereotypes.

Everyday Negotiations of Faith

For Muslim immigrants, practicing Islam in Korea means navigating a secular society with limited infrastructure for their needs. Finding halal food, spaces for prayer, and community support often proves challenging. Nonetheless, grassroots organizations and cultural associations have worked to build supportive networks. Events such as halal food festivals and open mosque days help introduce Korean neighbors to Islamic traditions, fostering greater mutual understanding. In this way, immigration does not only bring religious diversity but also new opportunities for cultural exchange.

Policy and the Future

Immigration policy in Korea continues to shape the trajectory of Islam’s growth. With a declining birthrate and labor shortages, the government has increased reliance on foreign workers, many of whom come from Muslim-majority nations. At the same time, Korea is grappling with how to balance national identity with multicultural inclusion. Recognizing and accommodating Islamic practices—through halal certification, cultural education, and protections against discrimination—may play a crucial role in ensuring successful integration.

Conclusion

Islam in Korea is less about religious conversion among Koreans and more about the growing presence of immigrant communities who bring their faith with them. Immigration has transformed Islam from a marginal presence to a lived and visible reality in Korean society. While challenges remain—ranging from social prejudice to infrastructure gaps—the ongoing dialogue between immigrants and locals is reshaping cultural boundaries. In understanding Islam in Korea, one must see it as inseparable from the broader story of immigration: a story not just about religion, but about how Korea envisions its future as a multicultural nation.