Yeouido Full Gospel Church building in Seoul, South Korea under a blue sky

Yoido Full Gospel Church

Yoido Full Gospel Church Seoul: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Yoido Full Gospel Church, located on Yeouido Island in Seoul, stands as the world’s largest Pentecostal congregation and a remarkable symbol of South Korea’s religious and cultural evolution. Established in 1958 by Pastor David Yonggi Cho and Choi Ja-shil, this church has grown from modest beginnings into a global epicenter, influencing millions through its innovative ministry models, vibrant worship, and extensive social outreach. Visitors are drawn not only by its architectural grandeur—which includes a sanctuary seating over 12,000—but also by its inclusive multilingual services, proximity to major landmarks, and its unique role in both Korean society and global Christianity.

This guide provides all the essential information for planning your visit, including opening hours, ticket policies, accessibility, transportation, nearby attractions, and tips to enhance your experience. It also explores the church’s historical milestones, cultural significance, and ongoing legacy. For authoritative background, this article references key sources such as the Yoido Full Gospel Church Official History, Encyclopedia Britannica, and various reputable news outlets (Christianity Today; VICE).

Overview and History
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
Admission and Tickets
Guided Tours
Facilities and Accessibility
Directions and Transportation
Nearby Attractions
Unique Features and Visitor Experience
Social and Cultural Impact
FAQs
Travel Tips
Visual Media Suggestions
Further Reading and References

Overview and History

Founded in 1958 in a modest living room, Yoido Full Gospel Church quickly became a beacon for spiritual renewal in post-war Korea. Led by Pastor David Yonggi Cho and Choi Ja-shil, the church pioneered the cell group ministry model, emphasizing small group fellowship and lay leadership (Britannica). By 1973, the congregation had outgrown its original space, leading to the construction of a vast sanctuary on Yeouido Island—a location that has since become synonymous with both faith and national identity.

Membership soared through the latter decades of the 20th century, with attendance reportedly peaking at over 780,000 in the early 2000s (AfricaChurches). Today, the church continues to serve hundreds of thousands of members and inspires visitors from around the world (VICE; SeoulSpace).

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sundays: Extended hours align with multiple worship services, beginning as early as 7:00 AM.
Note: Service times and special events may affect visiting hours. Check the official website for up-to-date schedules.

Admission and Tickets

Admission: Free for all visitors and worshippers.
Tickets: Not required for entry or services. Special tours or events may require prior booking.

Guided Tours

Availability: Weekdays by appointment. Tours offer insights into the church’s history, architecture, and ministry systems.
Booking: Recommended via the official church website or at the visitor center.
Languages: English and other major languages provided by arrangement.

Facilities and Accessibility

Yoido Full Gospel Church is fully equipped to welcome international and local guests:

Sanctuary: Seats 12,000+ with overflow spaces for larger gatherings (wanderboat.ai).
Chapel and Prayer Rooms: Multiple spaces for small groups, youth, and specialized services.
Interpretation: Simultaneous translation in up to 16 languages, with headsets available.
Accessibility: Ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and reserved seating for elderly and disabled guests.
Visitor Center: Multilingual support, brochures, and orientation.

Directions and Transportation

Address: 15 Gukhoe-daero 76-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Subway: Yeouido Station (Lines 5 & 9), Exit 2 or 3, 5–10 minutes’ walk
Bus: Numerous city routes stop nearby
Taxi: Easily accessible from central Seoul
Parking: Limited; public transport recommended
Nearby Hotels: GLAD Hotel Yeouido, Kensington Hotel Yoido (Trip.com)

Nearby Attractions

Yeouido Hangang Park: Scenic riverside park for walks and picnics
National Assembly Building: South Korea’s legislative hub, a short walk away
63 Building: Landmark skyscraper with observation deck and aquarium
IFC Mall: Shopping and dining options within walking distance

Unique Features and Visitor Experience

Architectural Highlights: A grand, modernist sanctuary with a prominent cross and glass façade, high vaulted ceilings, and advanced audiovisual systems (koreatripadvisor.com).
Cell Group Model: The church’s innovative small group system, organizing over 10,000 cell groups for pastoral care and fellowship (english.fgtv.com).
Multilingual Services: Worship and interpretation in 16+ languages; translation headsets at entrance.
Prayer Mountain: Osanri Choi Jashil Memorial Fasting Prayer Mountain offers spiritual retreats outside Seoul (english.fgtv.com).
Community Spaces: Onsite bookstore, cafés, and conference halls.

Yoido Full Gospel Church is deeply involved in social welfare, operating hospitals, universities, and charitable organizations. Its outreach includes Elim Welfare Town, relief work during crises, and international missions in over 60 countries (Wikipedia; AfricaChurches). The church’s media ministry broadcasts services worldwide, amplifying its influence.

Yoido Full Gospel Church

Yoido Full Gospel Church Seoul: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Introduction

Contents

Overview and History

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Admission and Tickets

Guided Tours

Facilities and Accessibility

Directions and Transportation

Nearby Attractions

Unique Features and Visitor Experience

Social and Cultural Impact

FAQs

Travel Tips

Visual Media Suggestions

Further Reading and References

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