From 9th-century traders to modern mosques, Islam has a long history in Korea.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While often viewed as a recent arrival, Islam has been present on the Korean peninsula for over a millennium. From medieval Arab navigators and Central Asian settlers to modern diplomatic ties, the faith has woven itself into the fabric of Korean history, leaving behind surprising cultural and culinary legacies.

The first verifiable presence of Islam in Korea dates to the 9th century, when Arab navigators and traders arrived during the Unified Silla period. These early settlers established permanent villages, and their influence is still suggested by figurines of royal guardians with Persian characteristics found in Silla-era sites. By the Goryeo kingdom, contact deepened; Central Asian Muslims, known as Saengmogin, arrived with Mongol armies and held significant social influence. Some, like the aide Jang Sunnyong, integrated so thoroughly that they became the founding ancestors of prominent Korean clans, such as the Deoksu Jang.

This historical exchange left tangible marks on Korean culture. The distillation of soju, for instance, is linked to the introduction of arak-distilling techniques from the Muslim world during the 13th-century Mongol invasions. Furthermore, Islamic astronomical knowledge, specifically the Huihui Lifa, was studied in the 15th century under Sejong the Great, providing a more accurate calendar system than existing Chinese models. However, this period of integration eventually waned; in 1427, Sejong issued a decree forcing the Huihui community to abandon their distinct headgear and close their ceremonial halls, leading to a decline in Islamic practice by the 16th century.

Islam was re-introduced to South Korea in the 20th century, largely through the humanitarian efforts of the Turkish Brigade during the Korean War. Today, the community is a blend of traditional Korean converts and a growing population of migrant workers from countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. While the Korea Muslim Federation estimates there are about 200,000 Muslims in South Korea, the community continues to navigate the challenges of being a minority, including social prejudice and the effort to maintain dietary traditions in a society where such practices remain distinct.

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