Vibrant walkway
Art and colourful murals decorate the alleyways and stairs at the Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan. Story on
Less than 30 minutes’ drive from the marine museum lies Busan Al-Fatah Mosque. The second mosque to be built in Korea, it has grown into the largest Islamic institution in the southeastern part of the country and plays a central role in Islamic missionary activities in the area.
We spend some time exploring the mosque and talking with the imam Ustaz Syaikhoni Jazuli Al Hafidz from Indonesia. The lack of a language barrier makes conversation easier. Built in 1980 with funds donated by a Libyan Muslim benefactor, the mosque is visited by 25,000 Muslims every year. I am so amazed by the Turkishinspired interior. The mosque is beautiful, clean and comfortable. There’s also a separate women’s praying area on the third floor.
Although Islam is a minor religion in Korea, there is an active Muslim community in this country. During our visit, we see many Muslims of different nationals attending classes here.
Syaikhoni tells us that there are 200 active Muslims in South Korea, and some 40 of them are from Busan itself.
The centre also offers classes — computer, Arabic and English — and Islamic lectures which are open to non-Muslims as well. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this one-and-only mosque in Busan and meet fellow Muslim brothers and sisters from around the world. Just make sure to wear appropriate clothes if you are visiting the mosque.
All this exploring in the cold weather makes us hungry. Muslim-friendly eateries, though limited in numbers, are available throughout Busan.
We go to Hello India Al-Waha in Haeundae which serves Indian, Lebanese and Arabic cuisine. We have briyani rice,