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.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to