Perhaps it is the unique facade like a mother’s arms spread wide that draws your eye to Saemoonan Church. This is the Mother Church of Korean Protestantism. We stand before a building that is more than just stone and glass. Saemoonan Church is a landmark of faith and architectural innovation.
Saemoonan Church’s story began in 1887. Horace Grant Underwood founded it. He was an American missionary. Underwood also established other important institutions. These include Underwood School, now Kyungsin High School and Middle School. He also founded Yonhi College now Yonsei University. And Severance Hospital also.
This makes Saemoonan Church the oldest Presbyterian church in South Korea. Prominent figures in Korean history have been associated with it. Kim Kyu-sik, Ahn Chang-ho and Choi Hyeon-bae were among them.
Over the years, Saemoonan Church has had six different chapels. The latest was constructed from 2014 to 2019. Architect Lee Eunseok designed it. His design attracted attention for its unconventional style and community space. The design incorporates the symbolism of doors open to heaven. It expresses Christ as light. It presents water space to signify baptism and harmony.
Interestingly the church significantly modified the initial design. Yet the unique external facade remained. It led to the building’s international recognition. Some feel the interior spaces do not match the exterior. Some architects believe the building would have been better if built as originally planned. Others are relieved that at least part of the original design was kept. It prevented detriment to the cityscape.
Saemoonan Church’s sixth chapel has received architectural accolades. In 2019, it was the first church building to win the Architecture Master Prize’s Cultural Architecture category. In 2020, it was a finalist for ArchDaily’s Building of the Year. It also received the Jury Award in the Religious Architecture and Memorials category of the Architizer A+ Awards in 2020. In 2021, the chapel’s curved surface graced the cover of Phaidon’s “The World’s Best Architecture”.
The current senior pastor is Lee Sang-hak. He took over in 2017. Before that, he was senior pastor at Pohang Cheil Church.
Saemoonan Church replaced the typical spire with a softly curved effect that is open to the sky. This depicts God’s love and mercy. The yard of Saemunan-ro is intended as a resting place for citizens. The small chapel will be used as an active open cultural space. The Great Chapel can cater to 2200 people at a time.
Saemoonan Church stands as a testament to faith and architectural innovation. It is a place where history and modernity meet. It is a space for worship, community, and reflection in the heart of Seoul.