Consider the tale of Kim Ho Jik. He was the first Korean to join the Church of Jesus Christ. He joined it in 1951 while studying at Cornell University. We are standing before the Seoul Korea Temple today. This temple has a rich history. It symbolizes faith and devotion.
The Seoul Korea Temple is the 37th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its story began amidst the Korean War. American Latter-day Saint servicemen shared their beliefs. They lived their faith openly. One convert noted their dedication despite the battle lines.
Missionaries first arrived in South Korea in 1954. Years later, Apostle Boyd K. Packer sought a temple site. He chose land the Church acquired two decades prior. The announcement for the Seoul Korea Temple came in 1981. President Harold B. Lee had foreseen this great work in 1954.
President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the Seoul Korea Temple on December 14, 1985. The temple’s design reflects Korean culture. Korean granite makes up the walls. Six white pillars point skyward. A traditional tiled roof gives it a unique Korean look. Delicate brush paintings adorn the interior. Intricate wooden molding adds to the beauty. Silk wall coverings and gold leaf create a serene atmosphere. Dome chandeliers illuminate the space. White lacquer furniture inlaid with mother of pearl completes the decor.
After its dedication, Seoul built a subway system for the 1988 Summer Olympics. A line ended near the temple. This made it more accessible. The temple stands near Sinchon Station. This station serves Yonsei University, Hongik University, Ewha Womans University, and Sogang University.
Koreans have a long tradition of valuing family and ancestors. Many families kept records for centuries. The Seoul Korea Temple’s dedication led to a surge in temple work submissions. One family submitted names spanning fifty generations.
The Seoul Korea Temple encompasses 28057 square feet. It houses four ordinance rooms. It also has three sealing rooms. The temple stands on a one-acre site. Its height reaches 112 feet.
The Seoul Korea Temple holds a special place in Church history. Kim Ho Jik’s baptism marked a beginning. President Joseph Fielding Smith dedicated Korea for gospel preaching in 1955. He did this on a hill overlooking war-torn Seoul.
Korean saints had longed for a temple since the early 1960s. Park Jae Am asked Elder Gordon B. Hinckley about a Korean temple. Elder Hinckley promised it would happen if they remained faithful. Spencer J. Palmer, a mission president, oversaw the Shinch’on property purchase in 1965.
In 1970, the first Korean temple group traveled to Hawaii. They overcame immigration obstacles. The first institute building outside North America was on the temple site. Korea’s first stake was created in Seoul in 1973. Rhee Honam became stake president.
The initial Seoul Korea Temple plan was modest. It included two endowment rooms and one sealing room. Generous donations from Korean Saints led to its expansion. A mission office and meetinghouse were razed for the temple. Over 13000 people toured it during its open house. President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the temple despite President Benson’s recent appointment. A subway entrance near the temple improved accessibility.
The Seoul Korea Temple is more than a building. It is a testament to faith. It embodies Korean heritage. It symbolizes hope. Its story continues to inspire.