Tucked away in Seoul’s Seocho District, SaRang Community Church holds a story as complex as the city itself. SaRang Community Church, meaning “Love Community Church,” began its life in 1978 in the bustling Gangnam district under the name “Eunpyung Church.” Its founder, Pastor Oak Han-heum, envisioned a church grounded in biblical principles, a church that questioned the status quo and sought to bridge the gap between faith and everyday life. SaRang Community Church challenged the traditional duty-oriented view often seen in churches. It aimed to cultivate disciples who integrated their faith into every aspect of their lives, from worship to worldview. The church’s emphasis on converting awareness, as detailed in Pastor Oak’s book, “Called to Awakening the Laity,” resonated with many, leading to significant growth. This growth, however, brought its own set of challenges. The Gangnam location, with its limited space and parking, struggled to accommodate the burgeoning congregation and those traveling from outside Seoul. This led to the controversial decision to build a new chapel in Seocho District. The controversy stemmed from the church’s permit to occupy a public road, both during and after construction. This sparked fierce opposition from residents and the religious community, culminating in a lengthy legal battle. Despite initial setbacks, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled against the church in 2019, deeming the permit illegal. Even today, the story of SaRang Community Church continues to unfold, a testament to its complex relationship with the city and its unwavering pursuit of its vision.
한사랑교회
Discover cities like never before.
Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.
More Places in Seoul
Myeongnyun 1-ga
Wander through the streets and discover the charm of Myeongnyun 1(il)-ga. This area in Jongno-gu Seoul blends modern city life
Wolgye High School
Did you know Wolgye High School stands in the heart of Seoul’s Nowon District? Its location within Wolgye-dong a vibrant
조선 예종 창릉 예종릉
“Where lie kings and queens?” That is the question we ponder as we approach this serene space. This is the
Seoul Digital University
Indeed, Seoul Digital University stands as a pioneering institution. It delivers education entirely online. Imagine being able to study from
Amsa 2 Dong Community Service Center
“Another community center?” you might ask yourself. But the Amsa 2 Dong Community Service Center is more than just a
Mecenatpolis
A breathtaking canyon. That’s what Mecenatpolis in Seoul reminds me of. Its design is inspired by nature’s elegant curves. Located
Daesin-dong
Stretching before us lies Daesin-dong a legal dong in Seoul. It is more than just a neighborhood. Daesin-dong is a