Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Derrek]

I know that many people who come here are looking for English speaking churches. I thought it would be good to start a thread so people could more easily find a good church. I don't want this to seem like an advertisment, so people please feel free to post if you know of any other good churches.

A good Protestant church I know of and attend on occasion is located near the Kangnam subway stop. Three English services with lots of Foreigners and Koreans. You can learn more about it here, and find a map:

http://nhm.sarang.org/

[kimcheeking]

Youngnak church map and directions are also on the site. Pastor is American & fluent in Korean. Service is at 3pm, a 9:30 service is going to start in March.

[Bubba]

I can't speak for the English protestant churches but I do know there is Catholic Mass in Busan in Nampo Dong. It's the main Catholic church in that area and Mass is at 4:00 pm on Sundays. The majority of the people who go there are Philipinos and most of them speak good English. There is another Protestant church in Busan but I don't remember where it is. I think it is somewhere near Kwangon.

[Derrek]

Thanks guys... that's a good start. I know I'm far from a perfect person, but church is one of the ways I unwind after the week and start anew.

I've also found that most of the korean people I've met at my church are pretty darn nice people. And since it's an English service, it's a bonus -- they almost all speak pretty good English.

[princess]

What about a church with English services in Incheon? Or will I need to go all the way to Gangnam?

[samy]

how does one get to the church in Kangnam. Can someone post specific directions

[Derrek]

Just go to the web site I posted above: http://nhm.sarang.org/

If you click on "About the service" or something like that (it's on the list) it shows you a detailed map to get there from the Kangnam subway. The main thing to remember is that it's not in the main church building. The English service is behind the church in a building kitty-corner to it. It's sort of shown on the map. The service is on the 3rd floor of this building.

If you go to the 11:00 service, show up at 10:45 if possible. Otherwise you may not get a seat (or a good one, anyway). I think about 300 attend this service alone. That maxes out the room, pretty much. The service lasts a little over an hour.

I'm guessing the ratio is about 70% Korean and 30% foreigner. The Korean pastors have almost all taught in California, and their English is excellent. I've seen interracial couples there too -- white/korean, black/korean, as well as what appear to be married western people. Of course tons of singles from high school on up. At least a few people from Japan attend the service as well.

There is a bible study listed on the web site for people in their 20's (cutoff is 29, so I don't qualify for that group). There are other group study options for others, although I haven't researched them much.

I enjoy the service because it's relatively close to me, has "praise" type music, but doesn't go overboard with emotionalism, and some of the pastors give some really good messages. I'm also starting to meet some nice people, which has taken me some time, but is great. I could have met more quicker if I had been more outgoing.

An added bonus is that there is a baseball batting cage business down the street from the church -- for 500 won, you get to hit like 10 balls. One of my Korean buddies and I like to do this for a while after church *laugh*.

[Anda]

About 30 Westeners attend an English service at Dongmyung Presbyerian church in Kwangju near the downtown shopping area. This Kwangju is in Jollanamdo!

[matthews_world]

Don't forget Onurri church somewhere in Yongsan.

Yongsan has a few protestant churches scattered around and don't forget their mosque.

[FierceInvalid]

I'm pretty sure Onnuri has the biggest English service in town, over a thousand people these days, but still really friendly with lots of ways to get involved. They run a shuttle bus from Ich'on station, but it's close enough to walk.

[jaderedux]

Well that is the advantage of being Catholic. If you have a missal you know what to do....directions ....for every week.

Stand up, sit down, fight fight fight.....

(only former cheerleaders and spirit squad member will probably get that bad humor)

Jade

[canuk2]

Derrek,

Been to your church and its a good one. Plan to go again before I go home, I think my fiancee would like to do the batting thing afterwards where is it?

Canuk2

[Len8]

There is interdenominational church in Pohang. It's at Pukbo beach. The Sermon is in English, and the pastors are English teachers from Handong University. They are really good, and they give a good interpretation of what's in the bible. In attendance are local people who speak English, Handong University staff and teachers, and U.S.Servicemen. When ships dock in port those sailors who want to attend a service get invited.

[Derrek]

[Dude Love]

Myeong-dong Catholic Cathedral has Mass in English every Sunday at 9am in the new annexe right next to the gift shop upstairs on the right. To get there, take the subway to Myeong-dong and take exit #9. It's a little bit complicated but you should be able to see it from the exit so the steeple should help you navigate. You can also get there from either Euljiro 1 or 3, I can't remember which.
Hannam-dong int'l parish also has Catholic Mass in French at 4pm on Sat., In English at 9am and 11am on Sunday, in German on Sunday at 10am and Spanish/Italian, but I can't remember the time. To get there, take the subway to Hanganjin (line 6, next to Itaewon) and walk for about 15 min. or take a cab. By foot, exit the subway stn. walk east, cross the busy highway and just after having crossed it walk to the right alongside it. You'll pass several embassies. The parish will be up a short hill to your left, before you get to Starbucks.