This paper is not a theological debate or comparative analysis of Islam and Christianity. Instead, this research is done to analyze the causes of Koreans converting to Islam. The intension of this research is to bring awareness to Korean churches, regarding the increase of Korean Muslims.
In the 21th century, Korean Islam is experiencing extreme change. The reason for this change can be explained in various ways. During the 1950-53, the Islam was spread by the Turkish armies participated in the UN troops in Korean War, but it did not occur up until 1960s. In 1970’s as Korean construction workers advanced into Middle East, some of them became Muslims. On the contrary from the past, at this present time Korean Muslim is diversifying in its hierarchy through foreign exchange businesses and study abroad programs. In 1980’s to 1990’s Korean intellectuals who studied abroad in Muslim countries, got converted as a Muslim. When these Korean Muslim intellectuals came back to Korea, they published books which introduced people about Islam. Four colleges and graduate schools opened Arab related majors, which introduced and spread Islam rapidly. In 2001, Korea Muslim Federation(KMF) stated that they are composed of 34000 Korean Muslims. In the newspaper published on May 17, 2011 reported that they are about 45,000 Koreans Muslims. Korean Islam has shown 32.3% of grown over the ten years. In Korea, Islam presents and defines itself as the source of “peace”, but on the contrary it brings division and destruction.
Korean churches must not stay ignorant of Islamic expansion.
When observing the recent development of Islam in Korea, it is clear that it is not a simple problem to solve. Including the first mosque which was built in Seoul, May 1976, there are total of sixteen mosques and cultural centers, and 60 prayer rooms in overall.
Several causes of Koreans converting to Islamic religion is through: visiting mosques, studying overseas, working in the Middle East, university’s Islamic courses, soldiers dispatched in Islamic countries, Arabic studies, Islamic propaganda, marry Muslims, Islam cultural public relations, Internet chatting with Muslim, the interest in Islam, school, seminar and conference,books, press and media, food stamp program, economics and politics. And especially, activities of Korea Muslim Federation and Korean Muslims, South Korea’s economy and politics made a significant contribution towards the Islamic growth.
Through condemnation of Islamic religion through criticism and aggressive attitude towards Muslims can bring counter-productive results and even bring hardships for the missions. There is a great necessity of having guard figures that can watch and observe over Islam. Korean churches must approach Islam through diverse theological and missiological ways. It is important to be able to distinguish the difference between Islam and Muslim. Korean churches need to continuously love and pray for Muslims, but churches must also realize the reality that unbalanced, unconditional love toward Muslims is bringing more people into conversion of Islam. Korean Churches have a mission to spread the gospel to Muslims around the world but they also have duty to spread the gospel towards Muslims in their own country as well.