UAE Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps, speaks during the 2025 Iftar Dinner held in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

As the sun set on Tuesday, Muslims in Seoul gathered in mosques, community centers and homes to share Iftar, the evening meal that marks the end of a day of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

Families and friends shared traditional dishes and engaged in prayer, reinforcing the spirit of inclusivity and generosity that defines Ramadan.

Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar calendar. It begins with the sighting of the new moon and ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a major Islamic holiday.

Iftar meals traditionally begin with dates and water, following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad, before transitioning to a variety of dishes that differ by region.

Beyond being a time of fasting from dawn to dusk, Ramadan emphasizes acts of charity and community service. Many Iftar gatherings include food distribution programs for the less fortunate, with volunteers working to provide meals to those in need.

To further honor the occasion and strengthen ties with Muslim-majority countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the annual 2025 Iftar Dinner in Seoul on Tuesday.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul emphasized remembrance, togetherness and peace as central themes in his remarks, highlighting the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between Korea and the Islamic world.

Speaking before an audience of diplomats, business leaders and Muslim community representatives, Cho reflected on his personal experiences with Ramadan, recalling his time as a counselor at the Korean embassy in Saudi Arabia three decades ago.

Cho underscored the importance of remembrance during Ramadan, calling it a time for Muslims worldwide to reaffirm their faith and connection to their homeland and heritage. He noted the significant contributions of Muslim civilizations throughout history, including their impact on Korea.

“You can find their mark in Korea's history, too,” he said. “Visualize Gyeongju, the venue of the APEC Summit this year. As a millennial capital during the ancient Silla dynasty, archaeologists have unearthed relics there that traveled thousands of kilometers from regions as distant as Egypt, Syria and Central Asia.”

He also highlighted the role of Arab merchants in spreading the name “Korea” around the world during the Middle Ages and the contributions of Turkish veterans during the Korean War, who established the Ankara Orphanage in Suwon to shelter war orphans.

“This noble act laid the foundation for the growth of the current Muslim community in Korea,” Cho said.

UAE Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps, emphasized the values of unity, tolerance and mutual respect that underpin the relationship between Korea and UAE.

During his address, Al Nuaimi expressed his sincere appreciation to the event's host and praised the spirit of togetherness that the gathering represented.

"Ramadan is a time of compassion and tolerance," he said, adding that the holy month is a reminder of shared values such as respect, understanding and the pursuit of peace. He noted that these principles are at the heart of the deep and enduring relationship between Korea and the UAE, one built on mutual trust, cooperation and cultural appreciation.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul gives the opening speech during the 2025 Iftar Dinner held in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

Turning to the theme of togetherness, Cho emphasized Korea's commitment to deepening ties with the Islamic world, home to nearly two billion people.

“Just as Ramadan unites families and communities over Iftar, Korea is dedicated to strengthening its bonds of friendship with the Islamic world,” he said, noting the region's youthful energy, dynamic economies and abundant resources.

He highlighted Korea's expanding relations with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and recent diplomatic engagements with the UAE, Malaysia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. In a historic move, he noted, a Korean delegation traveled to Syria earlier this year to meet with senior officials of the transitional government.

“Through platforms like the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum, Korea-Middle East Cooperation Forum and the Korea-Africa Summit, we will continue to seek sustainable cooperation fostering mutual prosperity,” he added.

He also expressed appreciation for ambassadors, Muslim leaders in Korea, scholars and business leaders who have worked to bring Korea and the Islamic world closer together.

Addressing global conflicts, Cho emphasized the deep connection between Islam and the concept of peace, noting that the Arabic words for “Islam” and “peace” (“Salam”) share the same root.

“Sadly, today's global landscape is far from peaceful,” he said. “Since last year, conflicts around the world have continued unabated, bringing suffering to countless innocent people.”

He reaffirmed Korea's commitment to humanitarian efforts, citing aid provided to Palestine, Syria, Yemen and Sudan last year. He also pointed to Korea's role in promoting global stability through its membership in the UN Security Council, Human Rights Council and Economic and Social Council.

In closing, Cho invoked the words of the 13th-century Islamic poet Rumi: “The wound is the place where the light enters you.”

“As we hold in our hearts the countless lives touched by conflicts, I turn to his words for solace and wisdom,” he said. “May this Ramadan be a time of remembrance, togetherness and, most importantly, peace.”