Listen closely. Did you know that Saemoonan Church is no ordinary church?
Here before us stands Saemoonan Church. It is the first organized Presbyterian church in South Korea. Saemoonan Church holds a special place in Korean Protestant history. It is often called the Mother Church of Korean Protestantism.
Let’s step back in time to 1887. Horace Grant Underwood founded Saemoonan Church. He was an American missionary. Underwood also established several prominent educational institutions. These include Underwood School, now Kyungsin High School and Middle School. He also founded Yonhi College, now Yonsei University, and Severance Hospital.
Saemoonan Church has a rich history spanning over a century. The church started with humble beginnings. Underwood baptized one person. He appointed two elders. This small group of fourteen Koreans formed the first congregation.
Saemoonan Church has moved several times throughout its history. It has had six different chapels. The latest chapel was constructed between 2014 and 2019. Lee Eunseok designed this modern building. He is an authority in religious architecture.
The chapel’s design is unique. It looks like a mother’s arms spread wide. This design choice attracted attention from the media. The design incorporates much community space.
Interestingly, the church significantly modified the initial design. The external facade remained from the architect’s original plan. It led to the building’s international recognition. Some believe the heavily modified interior spaces do not match the external impression. Some architectural critics feel it would have been better if built according to the original plan. Others are relieved that at least part of the original design was retained. This prevented any detriment to the cityscape.
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. That same year it 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, The World’s Best Architecture.
Lee Sang-hak is the current senior pastor. He took over in 2017. Previously, he served as senior pastor at Pohang Cheil Church.
Saemoonan Church has faced controversies. One controversy involved the pastor appointment process. Rev. Lee Sang-hak accepted the call to serve as pastor of Saemoonan Church. He left Pohang First Presbyterian Church without informing his congregation in advance. This decision left many church members feeling betrayed. The pastoral selection process had been confidential. This led to internal conflicts within the church.
Another controversy involved Lee Sang-hak’s dissertation. His dissertation 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. This stance stirred some controversy. Saemoonan Church has requested an investigation from the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary.
Saemoonan Church stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith. Its history is intertwined with the development of Protestantism in Korea. Saemoonan Church continues to be a vital center for worship, community, and cultural exchange. It strives to be a resting place for weary people.