The Teenagers’ Church at Toegyewon. A haven for young souls. That’s what it is.
This isn’t just any church. It’s the Toegyewon Seventh-day Adventist Church. More specifically it’s a revolutionary new space built specifically for teenagers. Imagine a place where young people aren’t just passive listeners but active participants. That’s the vision.
Located 6 miles northeast of Seoul this church opened its doors in 2025. It’s the first of its kind in South Korea. Before this teenagers often felt excluded from church programs that largely focused on adults. Many felt the existing church culture wasn’t relatable. They lacked spaces designed for their needs and interests.
The Toegyewon Teenagers’ Church is different. Here teenagers run their own worship services. They plan and implement their own programs. They have their own space. Over 100 attended the first service. They found freedom and responsibility. Byung Kyu Kim a teenage group leader described it as having their own space in church. He expressed joy in no longer feeling overlooked.
Pastor Jong Ho Yang explained the aim. It was to make church attractive. It was also to make teenagers feel valued as active participants. Not simply as bystanders. The hope is that teenagers will understand the vision and mission of the Lord through their involvement.
Dr Jairyong Lee president of the Adventist Church in the Northern Asia-Pacific region sees these young people as the future leaders. This innovative space directly addresses the challenges faced by young people in South Korea. Many are under pressure from secularism and materialism. This church offers religious education and evangelism. It provides a safe space for faith to grow.
The Toegyewon Teenagers’ Church isn’t just a building. It’s a symbol of hope. It’s a testament to the church’s commitment to engaging young people. It’s a place where faith and youth culture collide. It’s a place where the future of the church is being shaped. It’s a place you won’t want to miss.