Chungdong First Methodist Church, Seoul

Completed in 1898, the second year of the Gwangmu era of Emperor Gojong, this is Korea's first full-scale Protestant church building. Originally cross-shaped and 115 pyeong in area, it was extended in 1926 by widening both wings, giving it its present square plan of 175 pyeong. Because only the wings were extended while the original building was left untouched, the church's original appearance remains undamaged. It is built of brick, with arched windows throughout, giving it the form of a simplified Gothic-style church. The podium, built of neatly dressed stone, is notable for showing the skill of Joseon-period timber construction. The church bell, together with the plain appearance of its undecorated interior columns, gives the building a simple, unadorned atmosphere. It is a simplified church building of North American type with a modest, plain character.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jung-gu, Seoul

Designation

Historic Site · 사적