The Korea International Trade Association(KITA) says it has opened a prayer room for Muslims at the COEX convention center in southern Seoul.
 
Located on the third floor of the convention center, the room has separate spaces each for male and female worshipers to practice their prescribed ritual prayers.
 
It will be open from 3 a.m. through 10 p.m. every day to accommodate Muslim visitors who have to practice the religious ritual five times a day. With part of its area carpeted, the room is also equipped with items needed for prayer such as a Koran, a clock, a compass and a mark pointing to Qibla, the direction Muslims must face when in worship.
 
Data shows that Muslims account for one-point-seven billion, or about 25 percent of the world population. The market for halal products is also constantly growing, comprising 17-point-seven percent of the global food industry.
 
KITA President Kim In-ho expressed expectations that the opening of the prayer room will help to create more exchanges with Muslims in various sectors including trade and tourism.