A DESIGN THAT BLENDS MODERNITY WITH FAITH LEADS TO THE FIRST CHURCH IN KOREA. IT REFLECTS GOD’S LOVE AND COMPASSION AND CONNECTS PEOPLE TO LIFE AND THE SKY, BECOMING A PUBLIC SPACE FOR THE CITY
TEXT & PHOTO: WEERAPON SINGNOI
(For Thai, press here)
Upon my arrival at this towering edifice, it wasn’t immediately apparent that I was standing in front of a religious building. It took the sight of a cross perched atop the structure to give away its sacred purpose.
This 13-story Protestant church, located in the Jongno-gu district of Seoul, is named Saemoonan Church and often referred to as the ‘Mother Church’. It is the oldest Protestant church in South Korea and the very first church established in the country. This particular building, the sixth iteration, was uniquely designed by architect Lee Eunseok of Seoinn Design Group.
The church’s traditional sharp steeple, once a symbol of divine authority, has been replaced. In its place, a gentle curvature opens towards the sky, not just reaching up but enveloping, symbolizing God’s love and compassion. The design resembles the protective and guiding arms of the Holy Mother, seemingly embracing and guiding life towards the heavens above. It’s a reinterpretation of a modern reinterpretation of church architecture. Additionally, other traditional church decorations have been modified to be more open and abstract, enhancing accessibility and connection.
This architectural choice is significant. The emphasis on public spaces is evident in the front plaza, a rare architectural feature for churches, designed to be a functional and lively element for the overall structure as well as the community.
Saemoonan Church has garnered accolades that underscore its innovative design, including:
2019: The first church building to win the Architecture Master Prize in the Cultural category.
2020: Nominated for the Building of the Year by ArchDaily.
2020: Won the Jury Award in the Religious Buildings and Memorials category of the Architizer A+ Awards.
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