Churches And Mosques - The Seoul Guide

Chungdong First Methodist Church

Chungdong First Methodist Church, established in 1897 by American missionary Henry Appenzeller, is the first Protestant church of Korea. The beautiful red brick church is located just down the road from Deoksugung Palace and Seoul Plaza. Appenzeller, along with his wife, arrived in Chemulpo, Korea on April 5, 1885. At this time, Seoul was in a political and religious struggle.

Kyungdong Presbyterian Church

Kyungdong Presbyterian Church is a unique and beautiful church in Jangchung-dong built in 1981 using roughly cut red bricks in the shape of praying hands. The church, which resembles a fortress, was designed by Kim Swoo Geun, one of Korea’s best known post liberation architects.

Myeongdong Cathedral

Myeongdong Cathedral was the first and most important Catholic church in Korea and is an important symbol of Christianity in the country. The church is an important icon of Korea and Myeongdong. The official name of Myeongdong Cathedral is Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception. The elegant cathedral was the first Gothic style church in Korea to be constructed of brick.

Seoul Anglican Cathedral

Seoul Anglican Cathedral is a Romanesque-style Anglican church founded by Bishop C.J. Corfe in 1922. It is located just west of Deoksugung Palace and Seoul Plaza. Its official name is Cathedral Church of Saint Mary the Virgin and Saint Nicholas. In 1889, Charles John "C.J." Corfe, born in 1843, became the first bishop of the Anglican Church of Korea.

Seoul Central Mosque

Seoul Central Mosque is Korea's first and Seoul's only mosque or masjid. It is located at the top of a hill above the busy neighborhood of Itaewon. Many residents visit on weekends to learn about Islam. Lectures can be heard in Korean, English, and Arabic. In 1974, construction on the mosque began with help of donations from Islamic countries.

Seungdong Presbyterian Church

Seungdong Presbyterian Church, located near Insadong, was established in 1893 by Samuel Foreman Moore (1860-1906). Over the years, the church has been relocated and renamed many times. Before being renamed Seungdong, it has been known by as Gondanggol, Jungang, and Baekjeong. When the church was known as Baekjeong, meaning butchers, it attracted social underdogs and mysterious figures of the Joseon society.

Last Updated on Feb 29, 2024