Chungdong First Methodist Church
Korea’s oldest extant church, founded in 1885 as the nation’s first Methodist congregation and host to pioneering Christian publications and women’s ministry.
At a glance
Chungdong First Methodist Church stands in Seoul’s Jeong-dong district as a monument to Korea’s early Protestant history. Built in 1897, it remains the only church structure originally constructed during the 19th century in the country. The building’s simplified American gothic style, marked by arched window frames, reflects its missionary heritage. Today the church conducts services in both Korean and English, while preserving its historical archive.
History
American missionary Henry Appenzeller founded the church’s congregation on October 11, 1885. In September 1887, Appenzeller purchased a small hanok (traditional Korean house) to house the growing church, naming it “Bethel Chapel.” The first Methodist baptism in Korea took place here on July 24, 1887.
As membership expanded, church leadership commissioned a larger building. The groundbreaking ceremony on September 9, 1895, drew prominent Korean figures including Soh Kwang-pom and Yun Chi-ho. A dedication service inaugurated the new Bethel Chapel on December 26, 1897. The church underwent significant expansion in 1926, transforming from its original cruciform layout into a rectangular structure. In 1977, Bethel Chapel was designated Historic Site of South Korea No. 277.
What you see
The 1897 building exemplifies simplified American gothic architecture, characterized by arched window frames and modest ornamentation. The 1926 renovation replaced the original cross-shaped design with a rectangular footprint, adapting the interior for evolving worship needs while preserving the exterior’s distinctive style. The structure remains the oldest surviving church building in Korea.
Cultural significance
Chungdong First Methodist Church catalyzed Korea’s Protestant movement and Christian publishing industry. It established the nation’s first Christian women’s group in 1889 and installed Korea’s first pipe organ. The church acquired the nation’s first privately owned printing press, producing landmark publications including Tongnip sinmun (Korea’s first private newspaper), The Korean Christian Advocate (first Christian newspaper), and The Korean Repository (first English-language monthly magazine). These endeavors profoundly shaped Korea’s modern religious and intellectual landscape.
Key facts
- Country: South Korea
- Location: Jeong-dong, Jung District, Seoul
- Coordinates: 37.56555556, 126.97222222
- Founded: October 11, 1885
- Current building: 1897 (expanded 1926)
- UNESCO/Heritage status: Historic Site of South Korea No. 277 (designated 1977)
- Services: Korean and English
- Museum opened: November 12, 2023
Practical information & getting there
The church is located in central Seoul’s Jeong-dong district. It currently offers worship services in both Korean and English. Visitors can explore the Mangon Christian History Reference Room, which houses historical materials, and the recently opened history museum dedicated to the church’s pioneering role in Korea’s religious and cultural development.
Sources & resources
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