Korean converts to Islam
An estimated 45,000 ethnic Koreans born and raised in South Korea have changed their faith to Islam. Among them is Yusuf, an ethnic Korean in his 30s who converted to Islam in 2014. “Most of the men do it to find wives," Yusuf said. Disillusioned with Korea's competitive dating culture, especially in Seoul, many of the men seeking out Islam are also seeking a return to what Yusuf described as a…
Approximately 45,000 South Koreans born and raised in the peninsula have converted to Islam, according to estimates. One such individual is Yusuf, a 30-year-old ethnic Korean who embraced Islam in 2014. Yusuf explained that many men convert to Islam in search of wives, as the competitive dating scene in Seoul, particularly in Itaewon, has disillusioned them.
These men are drawn to Islam's perceived simpler path to marriage. At Seoul Central Masjid, between five and 25 new converts attend a training course each month to learn the basics of Islamic doctrine. The Shahada, the Muslim declaration of faith, is recited by students who may subsequently convert to Islam. Most of the converts are men; however, some women also express a desire for simplicity as a motivation for their conversion.
Two female interviewees noted that Islam's monotheistic belief in one God resonated with them, while another cited the religion's respect for elders, which they found compatible with their Korean cultural background.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Korean converts to Islam koreatimes.co.kr
