"Building Islamic Temples in the Republic of Korea is Not Allowed"…Deepening Conflicts

Opposition Group Press Conference Tomorrow
Opposing Visa Issuance for Afghan Special Contributors
Construction Halt Dispute in Daegu

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Conflicts are intensifying in various places over the establishment of Islamic temples.

On the 17th, according to the civic group 'National Action for Refugee Measures,' which is conducting anti-Islamic temple and anti-refugee campaigns, they will hold a press conference on the 18th afternoon near Gangnam Station in Seoul titled 'No Construction of Islamic Temples.'

They claimed, "Islam is a dangerous religion that does not grant freedom of religion," and stated, "No more Islamic temples can be built in the Republic of Korea, and based on the principle of reciprocity, all existing Islamic temples and prayer rooms should be retroactively closed." They also oppose granting 'F-2' visas to Afghan refugee hopefuls who have arrived in Jincheon, Chungbuk. They said, "It is highly suspicious whether the government is using Afghans to put on a political show for the world and the citizens."

The Ministry of Justice plans to issue residence (F-2) visas, which allow free employment after education, to 390 Afghan special contributors and their families who entered the country last month. This visa is issued to those who want to stay long-term in Korea to obtain permanent residency status; it allows a stay of up to five years per issuance and permits free employment activities.

In Daehyeon-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu, conflicts continue between local residents and Muslims over the construction of an Islamic temple. Muslims attending nearby Kyungpook National University obtained permission and began pushing for the construction of an Islamic temple in December last year.

However, when residents filed collective complaints, the Buk-gu Office temporarily suspended the construction. In response, Muslim international students and civic groups filed a 'request for provisional injunction to suspend the suspension order,' which the Daegu District Court accepted. Despite the court's decision, construction has still not resumed due to residents' opposition.

Professor Im Myung-ho of Dankook University's Department of Psychology said, "Since our country is ethnically homogeneous and has never mixed with other ethnic groups, and with the prolonged disaster situation such as COVID-19, people feel anxious and lack leisure, which can lead to viewing outsiders exclusively and strengthening internal groups." He added, "Globalization is an unstoppable trend, so outright opposition may only deepen conflicts." He further stated, "There may be misunderstandings about Muslims, so finding common ground first and engaging in dialogue and communication is necessary to solve the problem."