Muslims in Korea observe Eid al-Adha through prayers, halal meals, and cultural sharing, reflecting faith and unity within Korean society.
Muslims in South Korea observe Eid al-Adha with a unique blend of religious devotion and cultural adaptation. From community prayers at local mosques to sharing traditional meals, this annual festival becomes a meaningful expression of faith and unity within a multicultural context.
The Muslim Community in Korea
More than 200,000 Muslims currently reside in South Korea. This diverse population includes foreign workers from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan, as well as international students, interfaith families, and native Korean converts. Despite differences in nationality and language, Muslims across Korea come together through religious solidarity to prepare and celebrate Eid al-Adha.
Key Celebration Venues
Eid activities in Korea mainly take place at mosques and Islamic centers across the country:
Central Mosques
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Seoul Central Mosque (Itaewon): The primary location for Muslim worship in Korea, where thousands gather for Eid Salah.
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Regional Mosques: Locations in Busan, Ansan, Gimpo, Pyeongtaek, and Ulsan also hold celebrations tailored to local communities.
Campus Prayer Spaces
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Universities with significant international student populations often organize small-scale Eid prayers in campus prayer rooms.
On Eid morning, Muslims gather for Eid Salah, followed by a sermon (Khutbah). Afterward, the atmosphere becomes festive with greetings, food sharing, and cultural exchange.
How Qurbani Is Observed in Korea
Traditional Eid al-Adha practices involve Qurbani—the ritual animal sacrifice. However, due to Korea’s animal welfare laws and public hygiene regulations, direct slaughter is restricted. Muslims in Korea adapt in the following ways:
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Charity Donations: Sending money to international NGOs for animal sacrifices in Muslim-majority countries.
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Halal Butcheries: Purchasing halal-certified meat domestically to share with friends and neighbors.
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Mosque Meals: Community meals organized by mosques to foster a sense of togetherness.
These practices help preserve the spirit of giving and religious observance while adhering to local laws.
Food and Cultural Sharing
The Eid dining table in Korea reflects a multicultural feast. Muslims cook traditional dishes from their home countries, such as Rendang (Indonesia), Biryani (Pakistan), or Plov (Uzbekistan), and often mix them with Korean side dishes to create unique fusion meals.
In addition to family meals, the community engages in broader social initiatives:
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Food Sharing: Distributing halal meals to welfare centers or multicultural organizations.
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Cultural Events: Hosting open houses or festivals in cities like Seoul and Ansan to introduce Islamic customs to the broader public.
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Social Media Engagement: Sharing Eid greetings and prayers to connect with the global ummah.
These efforts reflect the community’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and social integration.
Eid as a Time of Unity and Gratitude
Eid al-Adha in Korea is more than a religious ritual. It’s a reaffirmation of gratitude to God, compassion toward the less fortunate, and solidarity among Muslims. In a society where Islam is a minority faith, such celebrations serve to strengthen identity while fostering mutual respect with the host culture.
Through prayer, charity, and food, Muslims in Korea express the essence of Eid—faith, family, and community.