[Aju News DB]
A prayer room for Muslim quests will be set up next week in a state-run convention and exhibition center adjacent to South Korea's largest COEX underground shopping mall, in an apparent bid to enhance its reputation in Islamic countries.
The Korea International Trade Association (KITA), a state body, said the room would be established on the center's third floor, providing a separate space for men and women.
To accommodate daily prayer schedules, the room will be open until 10 pm (1300 GMT). Other tools for prayer, including a Qibla which indicates the direction toward Mecca, clocks, Korans and carpets, will be provided.
"As the number of our internationally oriented exhibitions has increased, so too have the numbers of our Muslim guests," KITA CEO Kim In-ho said. "We want to make sure our international guests feel at home at COEX, no matter where they are from. This is a step in that direction."
Alex Lee
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
