The first significant Jewish presence on the Korean peninsula appeared at the time of the Korean War (1950-53). Hundreds of Jewish American GIs were members of the armed forces which supported the anti-Communist government in resisting the invasion from the North. The Jewish community of South Korea is essentially a transient group concentrated in Seoul. Many of the Jews are soldiers and officers who serve in the American force which is permanently stationed in South Korea. There is also a handful of Jews who have come to live and work in South Korea as business people or teachers. On shabbat and holidays, religious services are led by a US Army chaplain at Yongsan Army Base in Seoul.

Chabad
9-8 Dongbinggo-Dong, Yongsan-Gu, 140-770
Seoul
South Korea
Tel: (822) 010 7730 3770
Website: www.chabadkr.com

Israel and South Korea enjoy full diplomatic relations.

Jewish Community of the Republic of Korea
GPO Box 7595, Seoul
Tel. 82 2 544 0834, Fax. 82 2 796 3808

Embassy
Dae Kong Building
823-21 Yoksam-Dong, Kangnam-KU, Seoul
Tel. 82 2 564 3448, Fax. 82 2 564 3449

For up to date information on Kosher restaurants and locations please see the Shamash Kosher Database