By <font color="#0070c0">Kim Young Deok</font> and <font color="#0070c0">Hahm Hee-eun</font>

Ramadan kareem!

Ramadan, observed by devout Muslims as a holy month of fasting, started in Korea on May 17.

During the holy Ramadan period, Muslims greet each other by saying, “Ramadan kareem,” and, “Ramadan mubarak,” celebrating a happy Ramadan.

Although Islam is a minority religion in Korea, the festiveness of Ramadan is easily observed at the central mosque and at halal restaurants across the country.

Samy Rashad from Egypt, a resident of Korea for six years, said, “A lot of Muslim friends gather in Itaewon where there's a lot of halal restaurants to enjoy the festive mood of Ramadan.” He added that, “Spending a good time with my friends until late at night, and oversleeping, is the way I celebrate Ramadan in Korea.”

For devout Muslims, Ramadan is not a period of suffering through fasting. Instead, it’s a festive month of blessings and appreciation. Day and night changes, so when the sun sets, more friends and families than usual come out onto the streets to eat and to have fun together. Normally, shops increase their supplies a month or so ahead of Ramadan to prepare for the special occasion and the increased sales.

Fasting during the daytime during Ramadan is not a forced duty for devout Muslims. For people with special needs, patients, long-distance travelers, pregnant women, and other segments of the population, fasting can be delayed until their physical situation meets normal conditions.

During Ramadan, the Itaewon Seoul Central Masjid will prepare meals for hundreds of Muslims after sunset, and host Tarawih prayers every night.



kyd1991@korea.kr