Ramadan in Seoul

Dates at Iftar? Try Kimchi. 

In Seoul, traditional Ramadan dates might meet a spicy twist.

As a Turkish-American Muslim student studying abroad in Seoul, I experienced a Ramadan that blended tradition with discovery.

Many may not expect it but there is a small yet significant Muslim Population within South Korea. 200,000 Muslims live in Korea, the vast majority being foreigners according to the Korean Muslim Federation. 

As a Turkish-American Muslim student studying abroad in Seoul, I found myself preparing for a very different Ramadan experience — one that would begin just days before the start of the Spring 2025 semester.

What is Ramadan? 

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and the holiest month within the Islamic Faith. For 30 days, Muslims around the world observe Ramadan by fasting from sunrise to sunset, increased focus on prayer, and deep reflection. It is also the month when the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). 

Understanding Ramadan: Not Just Fasting  

Although Sawm (Fasting) is one of the 5 pillars of Islam, abstaining from food and drink is not the sole focus of the Holy Month. It is a time to reflect within, shedding bad habits, and make room for new positive practices. It is also a month of Zakat (charity), giving to the less fortunate if you can, and making every effort to practice Salah (prayer). Practices that are upheld year-round, are especially encouraged during this time as they hold higher rewards. 

My Experience

This year in particular, the Holy month of Ramadan started a few days before the first day of the Spring 2025 semester. 

As the month was approaching, I checked in online to verify the prayer times for the Korean Standard Time zone. Iftar, meaning the meal one has when they break fast, happens during sunset which occurs a minute or two later every evening. However this year, Iftar never went past 7:00 pm KST. 

Preparing for Ramadan in Seoul

Breaking my fast in Seoul came with its early challenges. As a new student on a budget, I initially turned to the student union cafeterias at Yonsei University. These cafeterias close around 7:00 PM, but the kitchens may stop taking orders 20 to 30 minutes before — just around Iftar time. As the month progressed, I started venturing into nearby neighborhoods like Sinchon, seeking authentic Korean restaurants where I could break my fast without rushing.

Discovering Seoul Central Mosque

One of the most memorable parts of my Ramadan experience was visiting 서울중앙성원, Seoul Central Mosque the local mosque here in Seoul.

About a 15-minute walk from the Itaewon subway station will take you to the Mosque. It is the first mosque built in Korea, yet it is currently the only one in Seoul. 

Itaewon is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood. Upon exiting the station, I found myself surrounded by a lively Turkish community, with restaurants, bakeries, doner shops, and even classic Turkish ice cream stands lining the streets. The higher I trekked uphill to the mosque, the more diverse were the establishments. There were Indian eateries, Halal butchers, foreign food markets, and Halal Korean BBQs. Near the top of the hill, I discovered small stores selling prayer mats, prayer beads, and traditional clothing for both men and women. 

Experiencing Ramadan in Seoul taught me that even thousands of miles from home, faith, community, and shared traditions can be found in the most unexpected places.