“Mother Church of Korean Protestantism.” That’s quite a title isn’t it? We are standing in front of Saemoonan Church in Seoul. This church holds a special place in Korean religious history. Saemoonan Church is the very first organized Presbyterian church in South Korea. Its story began in 1887. Horace Grant Underwood founded it. He was an American missionary.
Underwood was a busy man. He also established Underwood School. It is now known as Kyungsin High School and Middle School. He founded Yonhi College too. Today it is Yonsei University. And he started Severance Hospital.
Saemoonan Church has seen many changes. It has had six different chapels over the years. The latest chapel was built between 2014 and 2019. Lee Eunseok designed this building. He is an expert in religious architecture. The chapel’s design is unique. It looks like a mother’s arms open wide. It also has a lot of community space.
Interestingly the church changed the original design quite a bit during construction. But the exterior remained mostly the same. This unique facade has brought international recognition. Some people feel the inside does not match the outside. Some architects believe the building would have been better if the original plan had been followed. Others are happy that at least part of the original design was saved. They think it improved the cityscape.
Saemoonan Church’s sixth chapel has won many awards. In 2019 it was the first church building to win the Cultural Architecture category of the Architecture Master Prize. In 2020 it was a finalist for 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 was on the cover of Phaidon’s “The World’s Best Architecture.”
Lee Sang-hak is the current senior pastor. He took over in 2017. Before coming to Saemoonan Church he was senior pastor at Pohang Cheil Church. His appointment at Saemoonan Church was not without controversy. He left Pohang First Presbyterian Church without telling his congregation first. This made many members feel betrayed. The selection process had been confidential. This led to conflicts within the church. Rev. Lee said his departure was “God’s will.” However many members found it hard to accept.
Rev. Lee Sang-hak’s dissertation also caused controversy. He received his doctorate in 2011. His dissertation focused on “Sin and Salvation Based on the Han Experience of Koreans.” He argued for a shift from a judicial model of salvation to an image of healing. He felt that overly harsh interpretations of the crucifixion could hurt those who have experienced “han” that is deep grief or resentment. He once used the term “illegitimate child” when referring to Jesus’ birth. This sparked even more controversy. Saemoonan Church has requested an investigation from the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary.
Saemoonan Church continues to be an important place. It is a place of worship and a landmark in Seoul. It represents a long history of Christianity in Korea. Its architecture is both modern and meaningful. The church strives to be a resting place for weary people. It opens its doors to the community. The Saemoonan Church wants to show God’s love for everyone.