Have you ever heard a church called “Myungsung”? Here at 50 Jingwan 1-ro, in Seoul’s Eunpyeong-gu district, stands Myungsung Presbyterian Church. It’s a name that echoes with a powerful story. Myungsung Presbyterian Church is not just any church. It’s one of the largest Presbyterian churches globally, a testament to faith and community. Founded in 1980 in the then-rural Myeongil-dong, the church’s original mission was to spread the gospel to the local bus drivers and conductors.
Myungsung Presbyterian Church wasn’t always the grand structure you see today. In its early days, it humbly occupied a building near the terminal of Seoul Bus No. 500. Imagine a small group of worshippers gathered, sharing their faith amidst the bustling activity of a bus terminal. This focus on outreach reflects the church’s motto, “Lord Only”. The church’s very name, Myungsung, literally means “Voice of Myeongil-dong”. It’s a voice that has grown louder over the decades. As the surrounding area transformed from farmland and orchards into a residential hub, Myungsung Presbyterian Church grew alongside it.
By 1989, the church required a new home. It relocated to its current location and expanded significantly, covering an area of almost 8754 square meters. Myungsung Presbyterian Church continued its mission, even extending its reach internationally. In 1990, the senior pastor, Kim Sam Whan, made a historic trip. He became one of the first South Korean Protestant pastors to visit the Soviet Union and Poland for missionary work. The church’s dedication to service goes beyond its walls. In 2004, Myungsung Christian Medical Center (MCM) opened its doors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This hospital stands as a beacon of hope, providing essential medical care to those in need. Today, Myungsung Presbyterian Church boasts a membership exceeding one million people, a testament to its enduring appeal. From its humble beginnings, Myungsung Presbyterian Church has become a symbol of faith, service, and global outreach. Its story is one of growth, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to spreading the word.