SEOUL, April 25 (AJP) - The Seoul Central Masjid reopened its doors on Friday, following a major six-month restoration that brought new life to South Korea’s largest Islamic place of worship. The ceremony took place at the masjid in Itaewon and drew community members, diplomats, and representatives from both South Korea and Türkiye.
The renovation, backed by the Turkish government, was carried out with the help of master artisans from Türkiye. Traditional tiles, calligraphy, and marblework were installed to reflect the distinctive design and atmosphere of Turkish mosques. Much of the interior, including the prayer halls and dome, was transformed with Turkish decorative techniques like Çini tilework and Nakkaş painting.
Turkish Ambassador to South Korea Salih Murat Tamer called the masjid "a symbol not only of faith, but of shared values. Solidarity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.” He said the mosque would continue to serve as “a space of knowledge and community for anyone seeking to understand Islam.”
Mahmut Özdemir, General Manager of Foreign Relations at the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Türkiye, stressed the longstanding ties between Türkiye and the Korean Muslim Federation (KMF). “This project is a reflection of our shared commitment to supporting Islamic life and preserving cultural heritage,” he said. He noted that the renovation had been completed in four phases between July 2024 and February 2025, with contributions from Turkish Airlines and the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation.
Originally built in 1976, the Seoul Central Masjid has long served as a gathering place for Muslims in Korea and visitors from abroad. The total cost reached 487,000 dollars, of which Türkiye covered $207,000 and the KMF contributed $280,000.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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