By Honorary Reporter Mohammad Aksol M from Indonesia
Photos = Abdurashid Soliyev
Millions of Muslims around the world last month fasted during Ramadan, a holy month in the Islamic calendar in which followers fast for about 30 days. In this April 15 email interview, an Uzbek college student discusses how he observes the holiday in Korea.
Abdurashid Soliyev is from the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent.
Please briefly introduce yourself.
My name is Abdurashid Soliyev and I was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. I am a sophomore majoring in international studies at Jeonbuk National University in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do Province. After finishing high school in my country, I came to Korea in August 2019 after being accepted by Jeonbuk.
How is fasting for Ramadan in Korea?
Since Korea is hotter than Uzbekistan in April, I find it hard to fast in hot weather as I easily feel thirsty. As an international student in Korea, I am also incredibly busy from 8 a.m. to midnight because of classes, homework, projects and my part-time job, with little time to rest.
My iftar (evening meal to break one's fast) is during my work hours, usually after 7 p.m. I have a cup of water as itfar and eat a late dinner. Lastly, I sometimes crave Uzbek dishes like palov (fried rice), but finding authentic Uzbek cuisine in Jeonju is hard. Still I find the new ambiance fun while fasting in Korea.
What is your impression of halal food and mosques in Korea?
Korea is a Muslim-friendly country because halal food is no longer scarce here due to the increased number of Muslims. Cities have markets for Muslims and one can use mobile apps to order halal food online. And nearly every city in Korea has a mosque, including a small and comfortable one in Jeonju's Deokjin-gu District.
What is your favorite Korean food for suhoor (pre-dawn meal)?
I often eat gimbap (seaweed rice roll) for suhoor because it's an all-in-one food containing protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and fiber.
What is your favorite place in Korea during Ramadan?
One place I frequently visit with friends is a garden at my university next to a scenic lake full of lotuses and perfect for a picnic. Waiting to break fast here is the best way to ignore hunger and refresh my mind.
The Uzbek university sophomore said Korea feels like home.
How do your professors and friends react when you fast?
My professors and international friends respect my religion. When students at our department planned to eat lunch together, I explained my situation and they postponed the luncheon for me. They didn't even eat next to me to respect my beliefs.
Having lived in Korea for over two years, how do you feel about life here?
I feel comfortable here and consider Korea my home. As I mentioned earlier, Muslims have many conveniences here to live a good life as Korea is a Muslim-friendly country and the Korean government is widely promoting halal tourism.
kalhong617@korea.kr
*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.