Dr. Hamid Choi Yong-Kil: The Korean Scholar Who Brought the Qur’an to Korean Readers
In a historic milestone for Korean Muslims and Islamic scholarship, Dr. Hamid Choi Yong-Kil has become the first native Korean Muslim to translate the Holy Qur’an into the Korean language. His work stands as a bridge between cultures, faiths, and generations, making the message of Islam more accessible to Korean speakers across the world.
2/9/20262 min read
A Journey of Faith and Scholarship
Born in South Korea, Dr. Choi embraced Islam later in life and took the name Hamid. His conversion marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to Islamic learning. Determined to study Islam at its roots, he pursued advanced education in Arabic language and Islamic studies, eventually becoming a respected scholar, lecturer, and preacher.
His deep understanding of both Arabic and Korean uniquely positioned him to take on a task few could accomplish: accurately conveying the meaning of the Qur’an in clear, natural Korean while preserving its spiritual depth.
Translating the Qur’an into Korean
The translation of the Qur’an is widely regarded as one of the most challenging scholarly tasks in Islam. It requires not only linguistic mastery, but also profound knowledge of theology, context, and classical interpretation. Dr. Hamid Choi dedicated years of careful study, research, and revision to ensure his Korean translation faithfully reflected the original Arabic text.
Through this effort, Korean readers who do not understand Arabic can now engage directly with the Qur’an’s message, guidance, and moral teachings—something that was previously difficult due to limited native-language resources.
Beyond the Qur’an: Expanding Islamic Knowledge
Dr. Choi’s contributions extend beyond the Qur’an itself. He has also translated Sahih al-Bukhari, one of the most authoritative collections of Hadith, into Korean. This further strengthens Islamic education in Korea by giving access to the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings and traditions in a language familiar to Korean Muslims.
A Lasting Impact on Korean Islam
Although Muslims form a small minority in South Korea, their numbers continue to grow. Dr. Hamid Choi Yong-Kil’s work has played a crucial role in nurturing Islamic understanding, supporting new converts, and promoting interfaith awareness.
His translations are more than academic achievements—they are a legacy. They empower Korean Muslims to learn, reflect, and practice their faith with clarity and confidence, while also opening doors for non-Muslims interested in understanding Islam through authentic sources.
A Bridge Between Worlds
Dr. Hamid Choi Yong-Kil’s life and scholarship exemplify how dedication and knowledge can connect cultures. By bringing the Qur’an into the Korean language, he has not only enriched Islamic literature but also strengthened the bond between Korea and the wider Muslim world.
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