Perhaps, you’ve heard of the world’s largest church? That title once belonged to Yoido Full Gospel Church. It is a Pentecostal church on Yeouido Island in Seoul. Its history is one of remarkable growth and influence.
Yoido Full Gospel Church’s story began humbly. In 1958, David Yonggi Cho and his mother-in-law Choi Ja-shil started a church in Choi’s living room. Only a few people attended that first service. But their dedication led to rapid expansion. Soon they moved services to a tent.
By 1961, the church had grown significantly. They purchased land in Seodaemun and built the Full Gospel Revival Center. The congregation continued to increase. By 1968, they needed more space. Cho and Choi chose Yeouido Island as the site for a new church.
Yeouido was then largely undeveloped. In 1973, they completed an enormous auditorium. The first service was held there in August. In September, they hosted the 10th Pentecostal World Conference.
Yoido Full Gospel Church experienced incredible growth. From 100000 members in 1979 to 200000 in 1981. By 1982 the church had many ministers and lay leaders. Cho preached a prosperity gospel. He taught that faith in Jesus brings blessings. These include health and wealth.
In 1984, the church officially became Yoido Full Gospel Church. Membership reached 400000 that year. The church started various projects. These included a television studio and the Elim Welfare Town. In 1989, Choi Ja-Shil died. A mountain retreat was renamed in her memory.
In 1993, Yoido Full Gospel Church had 700000 members. Guinness Book of Records recognized it as the world’s largest. Cho became a sought-after international figure. He led the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. In 2007, the church broke ground for a hospital in Pyongyang, North Korea.
In 2008, Cho stepped down as senior pastor. Younghoon Lee became his successor. However, Cho faced a financial scandal in the 2010s. Allegations of embezzlement arose. In 2014, a court found him guilty of financial misdeeds.
Under Lee’s leadership, the church initiated social programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they distributed aid to vulnerable people. The church also addressed falling birth rates. It offered financial incentives to members who had children.
In 2024, Yoido Full Gospel Church celebrated its 66th anniversary. It appointed its first six female elders. The church has sent missionaries worldwide. They spread their gospel and established churches in many countries. Yoido Full Gospel Church remains a significant religious institution. It continues to impact society both in South Korea and globally.