은석교회

Did the name Horace Grant Underwood ever cross your path? Here at Saemoonan Church, his legacy is etched in every stone. This isn’t just any church. This is Saemoonan Church, the very first organized Presbyterian church in South Korea. Underwood, an American missionary, founded it in 1887. He also established other significant institutions like Underwood School, Yonhi College (now Yonsei University), and Severance Hospital. Saemoonan Church is often called the “Mother Church of Korean Protestantism”. Imagine, back in 1887, Underwood baptized one person, appointed two elders, and a congregation of fourteen Koreans began their journey. The church has seen six different chapels since then, each a testament to its growing influence. The current chapel, completed in 2019, is an architectural marvel. Designed by Lee Eunseok, it’s a striking departure from traditional church architecture. Its unique design, resembling a mother’s open arms, has earned it international acclaim, winning awards like the Cultural Architecture category of the Architecture Master Prize in 2019 and being a finalist for ArchDaily’s Building of the Year in 2020. Interestingly, the church significantly altered Eunseok’s original design. It’s ironic that the exterior facade, the only element retained from the original plan, is what brought the church global recognition. Within these walls, historical figures like Kim Kyu-sik, Ahn Chang-ho, and Choi Hyeon-bae found spiritual solace. Today, Saemoonan Church is led by Pastor Lee Sang-hak, who assumed the role in 2017. His appointment, however, was shrouded in controversy due to a confidential selection process, causing internal conflict within the church community. Saemoonan Church is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to the enduring power of faith, a beacon of hope that has witnessed the transformation of a nation.