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What lies beneath Seoul’s vibrant surface? Often, more than meets the eye. This is especially true for SaRang Community Church in the Seocho District. SaRang Community Church isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a testament to both spiritual devotion and complex legal battles. Founded in 1978 by Reverend Oak Han-heum, SaRang Community Church quickly grew into a megachurch. By 2010, it boasted a staggering 80,000 members, with 40,000 worshippers attending Sunday services. The church’s influence extended beyond Korea. In 2007, SaRang Community Church sponsored the Wales Evangelical School of Theology, expanding its mission to Europe and the UK. However, the church’s growth also brought challenges. Its original location in Gangnam became strained. Parking was insufficient for the large number of worshippers coming from outside Seoul. Reverend Oh Jung-hyun, who succeeded Pastor Oak in 2003, proposed a new chapel in Seocho District. This decision proved controversial. The new SaRang Community Church chapel, opened in 2013, became the largest underground church chapel. Its construction extended under a public road. This sparked outrage from residents and a lengthy legal battle. The Seocho District Office’s permit allowing the road’s occupation was challenged in court. After several trials and appeals, the Supreme Court of Korea finally ruled the permit illegal in 2019. The court declared the area “socially, economically, and culturally limited in access”. It stated the land was “unable to serve public purposes for nearby residents.” Despite the ruling, as of July 2023, SaRang Community Church continues to defy the order to restore the public road. The church has even filed another lawsuit. SaRang Community Church’s story is a complex one. It intertwines faith, urban development, and the ongoing struggle between public and private interests in a bustling metropolis.

After discovering the story of 사랑교회 in Seoul, you may wonder how to explore even more of what this vibrant destination has to offer. Explory makes it simple: our digital guide gives you instant access to the city’s culture, history, and unique atmosphere. With our interactive city guide, you can uncover the background of Seoul while following engaging routes designed for curious travelers. Whether you’re on a short trip or staying longer, Explory transforms your visit into a personalized city tour that connects stories with places in an intuitive way. Explory is more than just an ordinary travel tool – it is your companion for deeper exploration of Seoul. Each guide combines expert storytelling with easy navigation, allowing you to discover well-known highlights and hidden gems that most visitors overlook. With the city guide, you can plan your route across landmarks, neighborhoods, and cultural spots, all enriched by immersive audio storytelling. Our audio guide brings the atmosphere of Seoul directly to your ears, making each step of your journey more meaningful. Whether you are passionate about art, architecture, history, or everyday culture, Explory helps you connect with the spirit of Seoul. The carefully curated guide highlights what makes this city special, while the interactive city tour lets you explore on your own terms. Thanks to our focus on exploration and unique hidden gems, you’ll enjoy a travel experience that goes far beyond traditional sightseeing. Explory turns every visit into a memorable adventure where stories and places come alive. Download the Explory App now to continue your journey beyond Seoul. Inside the app, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories waiting for you. Whether you are searching for a smart audio guide, planning your next city tour, or simply looking for inspiration through a rich guide, Explory is your key to exploring the world differently. Start today and unlock the full potential of Seoul with Explory – your ultimate travel companion.

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