Beyond Islamophobia: Unpacking Economic Motivations in South Korea’s Mosque Construction Debates
구기연(아시아연구소 HK교수), 이수정(서강대학교)
Indonesian Journal of Islam and Muslim Societies, Vol. 15, No. 1
대구 모스크 건설 갈등에서 종교·문화적 요인 외에 어떤 경제적·사회적 요인이 작용하고 있는가?
This study delves into the contentious discourse surrounding the construction of a mosque in Daehyun-dong, Daegu City, South Korea, which has persisted from 2021 to the present. It examines the interplay between economic interests and cultural conflicts involving Muslim migrants and the local Korean population. Through the fieldwork research, including interviews with residents and migrant Muslim communities, the research moves beyond the conventional narrative of Islamophobia to uncover the underlying economic and sociocultural dynamics at play. It reveals that the opposition to the mosque is not merely a result of religious intolerance but is significantly influenced by financial concerns, including real estate values and development prospects. By examining the specific case of the proposed mosque near the local National University, the study highlights the complexities of integrating migrant Muslim communities into non-Muslim societies, where economic factors play a pivotal role in shaping local responses. The findings challenge the simplistic attribution of such conflicts to cultural or religious differences, suggesting a need for a more nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of community opposition to migrant initiatives. This research contributes to broader discussions on migration, integration, and urban development in multicultural contexts.