"Feeling Intimidated" Conflict Surrounding the Construction of an Islamic Temple... Is There a Solution?

"Stop the Construction of the Mosque" Petition to the Blue House
Expert: "Not All Islam Is Like the Taliban Armed Groups... We Must Seek Ways to Coexist"

Activists from human rights organizations, including the Migrant Workers Equality Solidarity, held a press conference on the morning of June 16 in front of the National Human Rights Commission in Jung-gu, Seoul, demanding the withdrawal of the Daegu Buk-gu Office's order to halt construction of the Islamic temple. They urged the resumption of construction, stating that stopping the Islamic temple construction is discrimination that undermines religious pluralism and cultural diversity.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] In Daehyeon-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu, tensions are escalating between local residents and Muslims over the construction of an Islamic mosque. Although the Daegu District Court withdrew the order to halt mosque construction last July, the project still faces opposition from residents, causing delays in resuming work. Experts advise that misunderstandings about Islam need to be resolved and ways for local residents and Muslims to coexist should be sought.

On the 3rd, a petitioner identified as a Daegu resident, Mr. A, posted on the Blue House National Petition Board a message titled "Please protect the Republic of Korea," expressing opposition to the construction of the Islamic mosque (mosque).

Mr. A stated, "Since early this year, an Islamic mosque has been erected in the middle of a residential area," adding, "Having lived near Kyungpook National University in Daehyeon-dong for decades, I have seen many foreigners, but this is the first time I have witnessed foreigners forming their own collective society in Daehyeon-dong, acting collectively and gaining influence."

He continued, "Nowadays, there are more Muslims than residents," explaining, "They wear Islamic attire and gather in groups of 10 to 20 on the streets, which often feels intimidating. On the streets, only Arabic can be heard."

On the 3rd, a post opposing the construction of an Islamic temple was uploaded on the Blue House National Petition Board. Photo by Blue House National Petition Capture

Mr. A also said, "They claim that Muslim international students are pooling small amounts of money to build the mosque, but even our citizens find it difficult to purchase homes. Where do these students get the money to buy land and construct a mosque?" He suspected, "It seems like a massive Islamic force is supporting this behind the scenes as a strategy to Islamize our country."

He expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "Our residents are losing their living spaces. Some have already started packing up," and added, "Even during Ramadan, 80 to 90 people gather for collective actions. They do not assimilate into our culture. Most of them are extremist Sunnis like the Taliban. Islamic countries suppress religious freedom, violate human rights, and destroy diversity, so why do they come to a democratic country and demand religious freedom?"

On June 16, in front of Daegu Buk-gu Office, residents opposing the construction of an Islamic temple held a rally. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Currently, many Muslim international students reside in Daehyeon-dong near Kyungpook National University. Since Islam requires praying five times a day, a mosque is necessary, but local residents strongly oppose the mosque's construction, suspecting an intention to Islamize Korea.

The conflict peaked last December when Muslims began building a mosque in the residential area of Daehyeon-dong. Upon rumors of the mosque's construction, local residents protested collectively to the Buk-gu Office, which issued an administrative order to halt mosque construction that same month. Construction was suspended for over six months.

However, in July, the Daegu District Court issued a temporary suspension of the Buk-gu Office's construction halt order on the grounds of economic damage to the builder, reigniting conflicts between local residents and Muslims over the mosque's construction.

Kang Geum-su, Secretary-General of Daegu Participation Solidarity, commented on some residents opposing the mosque construction, saying, "They are opposing Islam unconditionally without any basis," and urged, "Islamophobia must stop." Kang explained, "Muslim international students at Kyungpook National University have lived in the area without issues for about 7 to 8 years," adding, "The mosque is being built due to a lack of worship space, and claims like 'there is a hidden force behind Islamizing Korea' are baseless rumors."

Experts analyzed that the image of Islamic extremist groups such as the Taliban, IS, and Al-Qaeda is being unfairly projected onto Muslims residing in Korea. Professor Kim Jeong-myeong of Myongji University's Department of Arab Studies pointed out, "Even in the case of people who fled Afghanistan to escape the Taliban, they chose to seek refuge because they feared extremist groups like the Taliban," adding, "Because armed groups like the Taliban are frequently portrayed, Islam is being stereotyped."

Professor Kim further stated, "Even though they share the same Islamic religion, not all Muslims should be misunderstood as extremists," and suggested, "As diversity expands in the global society, we need to seek ways to coexist despite differences."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.