“Is that a church?” someone might ask. Nestled amidst the modern cityscape is the Overseas Chinese Christian Church in Seoul. More precisely, it is the Overseas Chinese Christian Church Hanseong Church. It is easy to miss if you are not looking for it. A small sign quietly announces its presence.
The Overseas Chinese Christian Church Hanseong Church has a rich history. It reflects the story of Chinese immigrants in Korea. “Overseas Chinese” refers to Chinese people who have settled in other countries. It estimates that there are 40 million worldwide.
The church’s story began in 1912. Four people gathered at the YMCA for worship services. This marked the humble start of the first Chinese church. A pastor named Cha Do Sim was a key figure. He escaped religious persecution in China and sought refuge in Korea.
The church is tied to Korea’s minor immigrant churches. It faced challenges during the Sino-Japanese War in 1937. Church operations became impossible. The Korean War in 1950 destroyed the church building. Most of the Chinese community fled Seoul. Despite these hardships, the church persevered.
Helen McClain, a missionary, spearheaded fundraising efforts. In 1958, she laid the foundation for a new church building. By 1960, the Hanseong Church had rebuilt and re-established itself. The church stands as a testament to the resilience of its community.
Wang Gong-won was a notable figure in the church’s history. Wang was a construction entrepreneur. He became a Christian at a revival meeting. He later became a devoted member of the church. Wang’s construction company built several iconic buildings. These include the Kyunggi Women’s School and Ewha Woman’s University. Wang’s support was vital to the church’s growth.
In 2012, the Overseas Chinese Christian Church Hanseong Church celebrated its 100th anniversary. A seminar was held to commemorate the milestone. It reflected on the relationship between the church and the Korean Christian community.
Today, the Overseas Chinese Christian Church Hanseong Church continues to thrive. Its history is intertwined with the broader narrative of Chinese Christians in Korea. It hopes for a future of collaboration. It yearns for a future of shared faith with Korean churches.