Question. What makes Saemoonan Church so special? Saemoonan Church stands as a beacon of faith. It is the first organized Presbyterian church in South Korea.
Established in 1887 by Horace Grant Underwood, Saemoonan Church holds a unique place. Underwood was an American missionary. He founded Underwood School now Kyungsin High School and Middle School. He also established Yonhi College now Yonsei University and Severance Hospital. This makes Saemoonan Church the oldest established church in South Korea.
Saemoonan Church is known as the Mother Church of Korean Protestantism. Prominent figures in Korean history have been associated with this church. These figures include Kim Kyu-sik, Ahn Chang-ho, and Choi Hyeon-bae.
Let’s step back to September 1887. Horace Grant Underwood baptized one person. He appointed two elders. This small group of fourteen Koreans formed the foundation of Saemoonan Church. Over the years, the church has had six different chapels. The latest chapel was constructed from 2014 to 2019.
Lee Sang-hak is the current senior pastor. He took over in 2017. Previously, he served as senior pastor at Pohang Cheil Church.
The sixth chapel is a modern marvel. Architect Lee Eunseok designed the building. His design attracted media attention. It features an unconventional design like a mother’s arms spread wide. It also includes much community space.
During construction, the church modified the initial design. Ironically, the unique external facade remained. This led to international recognition. Some say the interior does not match the exterior. Some architects believe the building would have been better with the original plan. Others are relieved part of the original design was retained. It prevented 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. It also 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 collection The World’s Best Architecture.
Saemoonan Church has faced controversies. One controversy involved the pastor appointment process. Rev. Lee Sang-hak left Pohang First Presbyterian Church without informing his congregation. This caused internal conflicts. Some members felt betrayed. Rev. Lee explained it aligned with God’s will. Many members found it difficult to accept. This highlighted the need for transparent communication in pastoral selections.
Another controversy involved Lee Sang-hak’s dissertation. His focus was on Sin and Salvation Based on the Han Experience of Koreans. He argued for shifting the Korean church’s traditional model to an image of healing. This stirred controversy. He also used the term illegitimate child in reference to Jesus’ birth. Saemoonan Church requested an investigation from the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary.
Saemoonan Church has a rich history. In 1832, Protestant Missionary Karl Gutzlaff first visited Korea. In 1866, Reverend Thomas died a martyr at the riverside of Dae-dong River. In 1874, Reverend John Ross met a Korean at Goryeomoon.
Underwood established Korea’s first organized church. It started with 14 members at his Jeong-dong residence. In 1888, Seo Byeongho was the first Korean to receive infant Baptism. In 1889, Reverend Underwood published Korean-English Dictionary and Korean-English Grammar.
Saemoonan Church’s story continues to evolve. It stands as a testament to faith. It reflects resilience and commitment to community. Its architecture and history invite reflection. It encourages engagement with both the divine and the neighbor.