Contemplate a church that defies expectations. That’s the Kyungil Church. Built in 1981 this red-brick church resembles a fortress. The Kyungil Church was designed by Kim Swoo Geun. He was one of Korea’s most acclaimed post-war architects. Kim Swoo Geun also designed the Seoul Olympic Stadium. The church’s unusual shape is said to be inspired by hands clasped in prayer.
Initially churches were spaces for everyone. The general public could easily visit. They used them for self-reflection. However today’s churches often imitate only their exteriors. They have red LEDs and tacky stained glass window films. They have lost their architectural religious significance. There is no reason for people seeking a space for self-focus to visit.
Kyungil Church lacks a cross. It is free from tacky stained glass window films. Its first floor has just a few doors and windows. It lacks noticeable openings. It offers no pretense of being a church. The small yard in front of the building is surrounded by walls. It alleviates the fear of being watched. It encourages even the general public to step inside.
Once inside visitors can appreciate the wide steps. They can also admire the mosaic tiles on the walls. The Kyungil Church’s entrance reveals a symmetric building design. It begins to feel imposing. Before entering the sacred space it’s as if you’re advised to tidy up. Inside the finish differs from the brick exterior. It maximizes grandeur with exposed concrete.
The structure combines columns and beams in an organic shape. It offers rhythm to the space. The asymmetric cross and organ at the end provide a different feel. They focus attention on the cross. Light enters only through small and large openings above. This allows worshippers and visitors to reflect. They can reassess themselves and their faith.
The Kyungil Church is in a residential area near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park intersection. The open space of the church offers a breather. It is a welcome contrast from the incessant buildings and the bustling vibe of DDP. It reduces the burden on residents. It offers a tranquil space focusing on essence. Kyungil Church exceeds the expectations of a religious building. It offers comfort and rejuvenation to worshippers and the general public. It stands as a testament to thoughtful design. It provides solace in Seoul’s vibrant cityscape.
Brutalism is a problematic idea for South Korea. Though many significant buildings of the 1960s and early 1970s evince the qualities of this term few knew such a word existed. Kyungdong Church sustains many characteristics. It has a dense packing of programs into a complex section. It shows a yearning for expression. Its relation to a changing city is ambivalent. Simultaneously it stands out. It shows how architecture absorbs social and technical conditions. It provides an exceptional narrative of its time and place. Renovations took place in 2007. Originally an open roof chapel it is now covered by a new roof.