“A place to call home” is the motto of Saesaram Church. Let me tell you about this church in Seoul. Saesaram Church is more than just a building. It is a community.
Saemoonan Church is known as the Mother Church of Korean Protestantism. It was established in 1887 by Horace Grant Underwood. He was an American missionary. Underwood also founded Underwood School now Kyungsin High School and Middle School. He founded Yonhi College now Yonsei University and Severance Hospital.
Over the years, Saemoonan Church has had six different chapels. The latest chapel was constructed from 2014 to 2019. Architect Lee Eunseok designed the building. Its unconventional design resembles a mother’s arms spread wide. It also has a lot of community space. The design attracted attention from the media.
During construction, the church significantly modified the initial design. The unique external facade remained from the architect’s original plan. This led to international recognition. Some believe the interior spaces do not match the external impression. Some in the architectural community feel 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.
Saemoonan Church’s sixth chapel has received multiple accolades. In 2019 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 2020. In 2021 the chapel’s curved surface graced the cover of Phaidon’s “The World’s Best Architecture”.
The current senior pastor of Saemoonan Church is Lee Sang-hak. He took over in 2017. Previously, he was senior pastor at Pohang Cheil Church.
There was controversy in the pastor appointment process. Rev Lee Sang-hak accepted the call to Saemoonan Church. He left Pohang First Presbyterian Church without informing his congregation in advance. This shocked many church members. The pastoral selection process had been confidential. This led to internal conflicts. Rev. Lee explained his departure as aligning with “God’s will.” Many members found it difficult to accept.
In 2011 Rev. Lee Sang-hak received his doctorate. His dissertation focused on “Sin and Salvation Based on the Han Experience of Koreans.” He argued for shifting the Korean church’s model of salvation to an image of healing. This stirred controversy. He pointed out that punitive interpretations of the crucifixion may negatively impact those who have experienced han deep-seated grief or resentment. Saemunan Church requested an investigation from the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary.
Saemoonan Church continues to be a significant landmark. It is the oldest Presbyterian church in South Korea. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith. It also represents architectural innovation. It is a resting place for weary people.