“A mother’s arms spread wide.” That’s how architect Lee Eunseok described his design for the Saemoonan Church’s sixth chapel. The Saemoonan Church stands as the first organized Presbyterian church in South Korea. Its history is deeply intertwined with the development of Korean Protestantism.
Saemoonan Church was established in 1887. Horace Grant Underwood founded it. He was an American missionary. Underwood also founded Underwood School, now Kyungsin High School and Middle School. He established Yonhi College, now Yonsei University and Severance Hospital. This makes Saemoonan Church the oldest established church in South Korea. It is known as the “Mother Church of Korean Protestantism”.
Over the years, Saemoonan Church has occupied six different chapels. The latest chapel was constructed from 2014 to 2019. Its design has attracted much attention. Architect Lee Eunseok is an authority in religious architecture. The chapel’s unconventional design resembles a mother’s arms spread wide. It also incorporates a lot of community space.
Interestingly, the church significantly modified the initial design. However, the unique external facade remained. This led to the building’s international recognition. Some believe the heavily modified interior spaces do not match the external impression. Some in the architectural community feel it would have been better. They think it would have been better if it had been built according to the original plan. Others are relieved that at least part of the original design was retained. They feel this prevented any detriment to the cityscape.
The sixth chapel has received multiple accolades. In 2019, it became the first church building. It won the Cultural Architecture category of the Architecture Master Prize. In 2020, it was a finalist for the Building of the Year in ArchDaily. It also received the Jury Award in the Religious Architecture and Memorials category of the Architizer A+ Awards. In 2021, the chapel’s curved surface graced the cover of Phaidon’s published collection. It was featured in “The World’s Best Architecture”.
Saemoonan Church’s current senior pastor is Lee Sang-hak. He took over in 2017. Previously, he served as senior pastor at Pohang Cheil Church. His appointment process stirred controversy. He accepted the call to Saemoonan Church. He left Pohang First Presbyterian Church without informing his congregation in advance. This led to internal conflicts.
Lee Sang-hak’s dissertation also faced controversy. His work focused on “Sin and Salvation Based on the Han Experience of Koreans.” He argued for shifting the Korean church’s traditional judicial model of salvation to an image of healing. Saemunan Church requested an investigation from the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary.
Despite controversies, Saemoonan Church remains a vital institution. It stands as a testament to the history of Korean Protestantism. Its architecture reflects a blend of tradition and modernity. It strives to be a resting place for weary people.