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. Preaching of the Christian Gospel had to be done in private.

In 1887, public worship was finally allowed. At this time, Appenzeller acquired a building for services which was known then as Bethel Chapel. Over the years, the number of worshipers grew and grew. Construction on a new and larger church started in 1895 during the 32nd year of the reign of King Gojong.

Chungdong First Methodist Church was dedicated on December 26th, 1897. It is the only 19th century church in Korea that exists today. Appenzeller served as the pastor until his death in 1902. A bust of Appenzeller was erected on the church grounds in his honor along with a 50th anniversary commemoration memorial.

Chungdong First Methodist Church is a single story red brick building. The belfry, or bell tower, is three stories tall. Originally, the layout of the church was in the shape of a cross with 380 square meters (4,090 square feet) of space. After being expanded, the shape is now of a rectangle with 578 square feet (6,221 square feet) of space.

The style of the church is Victoria era Gothic with arched windows. The roof is a triangular gable roof, which is unusual as most Gothic churches use spires.

A new connecting chapel was built in honor of the 100th anniversary of Methodism in Korea. This new chapel was dedicated on April 15, 1979. On April 15, 1990, the Social and Educational Center Building was opened.

Nearby Sights

Seoul Museum of Art

Former Russian Legation

This Renaissance style white building is the former Russian Legation building. A legation is similar, but lower, than an embassy and houses offices of diplomats. The structure was built in 1890 during the 27th year of the reign of King Gojong. It was designed by A. J. Scredin Sabatine, a Swiss-Russian architect.

Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung Palace was the location where Prince Wolsan, older brother of King Seongjong, lived. At the time, the residence was not known as a palace yet. The area consisted of residential buildings for descendants of the royal family.

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.

Old Seoul City Hall (Seoul Metropolitan Library)

The Old Seoul City Hall, now the Seoul Metropolitan Library, is a Renaissance style building that served as the city hall of Seoul from 1945 until 2008. After over four years of construction, the new city hall building opened on August 27, 2012. The building was slated for demolition multiple times but was saved because of its historical importance. It has now been converted to the Seoul Metropolitan Library.

Seoul Plaza

Seoul Plaza is an oval public space located in front of City Hall in the heart of the city. Once a traffic circle, it is now used for events and festivals. Originally, a large water fountain could be found in the center of the traffic circle, but it has since been removed.

Last Updated on Oct 21, 2023