Steps of Faith in Jeonju: Finding Kindness Beyond Borders

by: Meila Rosianika

In the heart of Jeonju, I discovered a place that represents both faith and connection. Masjid Abu Bakar Al-Siddiq, the only mosque in the city. Reaching it was a journey in itself: I took two buses and walked more than 6,400 steps, guided by the kindness of strangers.

At first, I felt uncertain about the directions, but along the way, a sister in faith from Bangladesh kindly helped me. Her calm and gentle manner reminded me that solidarity among Muslims transcends borders and languages. When I finally arrived, praying in the mosque after weeks away from home felt deeply comforting like finding a spiritual anchor amid the unfamiliar rhythms of Korean life.

Though modest in size, the mosque carries a powerful sense of peace. It also serves as a community center, where Muslims from different countries gather to pray and exchange stories.

After visiting the mosque, I went to Firdavs Restaurant, a halal restaurant in Jeonju run by a Muslim from Uzbekistan. I had to take another bus and walk a bit farther to reach it. When I arrived, I was delighted. The restaurant offered a variety of delicious Uzbek dishes, and I met several fellow Muslims from Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, and India. It also provides a small prayer space, something quite rare in Jeonju, where most worship spaces for Muslims are limited to the mosque.

This was my second visit to the mosque but my first time dining at a halal restaurant in Jeonju. During my first visit, I struggled to find the mosque because Google Maps didn’t always work properly in Korea, and some place names appeared unreadable even in English. At that time, I didn’t know the mosque was also listed as Korea Islamic Center Jeonju Mosque on KakaoMap.

While I was lost, I met Naima, a kind Muslim woman from Bangladesh pursuing her Ph.D. in Jeonju. Seeing her wearing a hijab gave me the courage to approach her, and she guided me with warmth and patience. 

Later, when I got confused again, I asked for help from a Korean man who didn’t speak much English. We communicated through Papago, and although he had a different destination, he chose to accompany me on the bus to make sure I arrived safely. When my bus card ran out of balance, he even paid my fare. I was deeply moved by his kindness. After we got off the bus, the mosque was still a long walk away. Yet, he continued to walk with me until we reached the narrow alley leading to the mosque. Before parting, he pointed toward it and gestured, “It’s close, just walk straight.” Even after I walked away, he stayed to make sure I reached safely. His simple act of humanity touched my heart.

Many Koreans I have met do not actively practice a specific religion. However, this does not mean they lack spirituality or moral values. On the contrary, they often demonstrate deep respect, empathy, and discipline. Those are qualities that reflect universal ethics and compassion. This experience made me reflect: As people of faith, do we show the same level of kindness and concern for others, regardless of their beliefs?

Visiting the mosque helped me realize that faith travels with us. It is not bound by geography. Even far from home, I found a sense of belonging in a foreign land. The kindness of strangers and the shared rhythm of prayer reminded me that spirituality and humanity can coexist beautifully, even in diversity.

That day, I spent my weekend mindfully, walking past more than a dozen bus stops and covering over 14,000 steps. Yet, my heart felt lighter, renewed, and recharged. In this small Muslim community in Jeonju, surrounded by brothers and sisters from Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, and India, I rediscovered not only faith but also the essence of global citizenship: respect, empathy, and understanding.

-Lesson learned week 7-