Why some Koreans look beyond their culture 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…
An estimated 45,000 ethnic Koreans, born and raised in South Korea, have converted to Islam. Yusuf, a 30-something ethnic Korean, converted to Islam in 2014, explaining that most men turn to Islam to find wives. Disenchanted with Korea's competitive dating scene, particularly in Seoul, many are drawn to Islam for a simpler path to marriage.
At Seoul Central Masjid in Itaewon, 5 to 25 new converts visit monthly for a basic Islamic training course. They may recite the Shahada, the Muslim declaration of faith, and convert officially at the end. Predominantly men join, but female converts also cite simplicity. Two women noted Islam's respect for elders resonated with their Korean heritage.
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- Why some Koreans look beyond their culture to Islam koreatimes.co.kr
