Prayer times – Seogwipo

Muslim Presence in Seogwipo: Seogwipo, located on the southern coast of Jeju Island, is home to a small but established Muslim community. While the city itself has limited historical Muslim settlement, the broader Jeju region has seen a gradual increase in Muslim residents and visitors in recent decades, primarily due to international tourism and business. The community is diverse, comprising both local converts and expatriates from various countries, who maintain their religious practices in this scenic coastal city.

Community Implantation and Prayer Places: The Muslim community in Seogwipo and the wider Jeju area is served by the Jeju Islamic Center, located approximately 27 km away in Jeju-si. This center, situated in the Nohyeong-dong district on Noyeon-ro, functions as a central prayer place and community hub for Muslims across the island. While Seogwipo itself does not have a dedicated mosque, the Jeju Islamic Center provides essential facilities for daily prayers, Friday congregational prayers, and Islamic events. The center's presence highlights the growing need for prayer spaces in the region, serving both residents and travelers.

Prayer Time Orientation: For Muslims in Seogwipo, the daily prayer rhythm follows the five obligatory prayers: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). The exact times vary throughout the year due to Seogwipo's latitude (33.25°N) and the changing seasons, with longer daylight hours in summer and shorter in winter. The city operates on Asia/Seoul timezone (UTC+9). The Qibla direction for Seogwipo is oriented towards Mecca, with a bearing that ensures prayers are directed correctly. The distance to Mecca is approximately 8,500 km. The calculation method used for prayer times is based on standard conventions, providing reliable schedules for the local Muslim community.