Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Korea hosts annual iftar dinner for Muslim community
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during the 20th annual iftar dinner event in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
Korea’s foreign minister called for peace in the Middle East and highlighted centuries-old ties between Korea and the Muslim world as diplomats and members of the Muslim community gathered Tuesday for the government’s 20th annual iftar dinner during the holy month of Ramadan.
Hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul, the event brought together Arab ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps and leaders of the Muslim community to mark the evening meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said the annual gathering, which began in 2004, reflects the growing friendship between Korea and the Islamic world.
“For two decades, the iftar dinner has brought us together through changing times,” Cho said. “It stands as a testament to the friendship and trust built over generations.”
Cho noted that ties between Korea and Muslim communities date back more than a millennium, when Muslim merchants traveled to the Korean Peninsula during the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D. 935), with exchanges expanding further during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392).
The minister also addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, expressing concern over civilian suffering.
“Since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, we have expressed our hope for peace and sympathy for the innocent civilians suffering across the region, including in Gaza and the West Bank,” he said, adding that Korea extends condolences to the families of victims.
Cho said the spirit of Ramadan highlights values such as compassion, empathy and peace, which he said are especially important amid regional challenges.
“Peace is indispensable to everything we hope to build together,” he said.
He also spoke about the “Shine Initiative,” announced by President Lee Jae Myung in Cairo during his first overseas trip to the Middle East, describing it as part of Seoul’s commitment to promoting shared peace and prosperity with the region.
Drawing on cultural parallels, Cho noted that the Korean word for family, “sikgu,” refers to people who gather around a table to share meals together. He likened it to an Arabic expression referring to sharing “bread and salt,” saying the tradition reflects the close connection between Korea and Muslim communities.
He also noted that the dinner featured halal Korean dishes for the first time in the event’s 20-year history.
United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi speaks during the 20th annual iftar dinner event in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
Speaking on behalf of Arab ambassadors in Seoul, United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi thanked the Korean government for hosting the gathering.
“Ramadan is a special month of reflection, compassion and generosity,” Al Nuaimi said. “It is a time when communities come together to renew shared values such as patience, respect, solidarity and service to others.”
He said the iftar meal symbolizes unity and shared humanity, and emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual respect.
“In a world facing many challenges, the need for dialogue and mutual respect has never been greater,” he said. “Our gathering sends a powerful message that despite differences in language, culture and religion, we can come together at one table and reaffirm our commitment to peaceful coexistence and cooperation.”
Al Nuaimi also highlighted the importance of language in building understanding, noting that Arabic has historically served as a bridge connecting cultures and societies.
He welcomed the growing interest in Arabic language studies in Korea through university programs and cultural exchanges.
“Supporting language learning is an important way to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the bonds between our peoples,” he said.