Deep in the heart of Seoul, nestled on Hwagok-ro 33-gil street, stands Hwagok Church. It’s a place of quiet faith, a stark contrast to the bustling city outside. Hwagok Church isn’t just a building. It represents a beacon of hope, a testament to the perseverance of a small but dedicated group of believers. Their story began in the late 1980s, a time of rapid economic growth and social change in South Korea. Amidst this whirlwind of modernity, a man named Paul Lee sought a return to traditional Christian values.
Paul Lee, an electronics engineer, had a complex spiritual journey. He had been baptized years earlier by an American preacher, only to drift away from the church. After exploring various denominations, he yearned for a return to the simple teachings of the early Christians. Unable to find a like-minded church in Seoul, he decided to start one himself. Hwagok Church began humbly in Paul Lee’s home in the Hwagok district. This presented immediate challenges. Korean culture values privacy, making public gatherings in homes a social taboo. Undeterred, Paul Lee and a visiting American preacher began their outreach.
They distributed flyers, posted signs, and even engaged in street-corner evangelism. The response was initially slow. The first Sunday service consisted of only Paul Lee, his father, and the American preacher. However, the seeds of faith were being sown. Paul Lee’s father, a long-time Presbyterian elder, became intrigued by their discussions. He had been baptized decades earlier by an American missionary. He began to question his own beliefs about baptism and church practices.
Over the next few weeks, Hwagok Church continued its outreach. They addressed the cultural stigma of home gatherings by explaining that early Christians also met in homes. They emphasized their distinction from other religious groups, like Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses, to avoid misunderstandings. The American preacher focused on edifying Paul Lee, strengthening his understanding of the scriptures and his confidence in sharing the gospel. Initially, Paul Lee served as a translator. Soon, he was leading discussions and answering questions himself. This growth in Paul Lee was crucial for the future of Hwagok Church.
The church faced another hurdle. Paul Lee’s employer disapproved of his dedication to the church, ultimately leading to his resignation. This could have been a devastating blow. Instead, it solidified Paul Lee’s commitment to Hwagok Church. He saw the challenges as akin to those faced by the apostles. He drew strength from their example. Hwagok Church represents a small but significant part of Christianity in South Korea. While a minority compared to Buddhism and the influence of Confucianism, Christianity has grown steadily in the country. Hwagok Church embodies the resilience of faith, even in the face of cultural and social obstacles. It stands as a reminder that even in a bustling metropolis like Seoul, a small group of believers can make a difference.