PCK Logo The Presbyterian Church of Korea
Greeting Introduction Vision History Structure Organization Contact Kor

Est. 1912 · Seoul, Korea

God of Life,
Unite Us Together
as One

The Presbyterian Church of Korea — proclaiming the Gospel and carrying out ministries grounded in the Reformed tradition and an ecumenical spirit, serving the world since 1912.

9,415
Congregations
2025
2.14M
Members
2025
69
Presbyteries
2025
7
Seminaries
2025
23,027
Ministers
2025
37,561
Elders
2025

"A Global Community of Life where the Triune God breathes, rests, and springs forth."

Moderator's Greeting

Rev. Weyoung Kwon
111th Moderator
Rev. Weyoung Kwon

"God of Life, Unite Us Together as One!"

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Life, be with all 69 presbyteries, 9,415 churches, and 2,140,910 members across the nation, as well as all our missionaries serving faithfully in overseas mission fields.

Today, the Korean Church and society are passing through a deep night of conflict, division, and spiritual stagnation. In the face of these challenges of our times, the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) raises the holy theme, "God of Life, Unite Us Together as One," as a banner to restore the vitality of the Kingdom of God and our communal unity. To faithfully respond to this holy calling, we will advance three core pastoral priorities:

1. Supporting Young Pastors
The history of life continues through faithful ministers. Raising up the next generation of ministers who can discern the times and preserve the purity of the gospel is our most urgent mission. We will expand scholarship systems so that young pastors can devote themselves to spirituality and academics without economic hardship, and build them into healthy ministers through a 1:1 mentoring network.

2. Nurturing Cell Group Leaders to Strengthen the Backbone of the Community
Cell groups are the vital capillaries that sustain the health of the Church. We will thoroughly nurture group leaders through the Word and prayer to connect every single member with the Gospel, ensuring that cells become sacred spaces where moving testimonies and the sharing of life take place.

3. Fulfilling the Love of Jesus Christ: Lifelong Care and Hospitality for Senior Members
Our senior members, who laid the foundations of the Church, are a precious spiritual asset. We will actively support comprehensive senior ministries, operating a holy care network that provides physical and spiritual care — including end-of-life care. Furthermore, we will foster a model of generational integration where the prayers and wisdom of our seniors are passed down to the next generation.

Supporting young pastors, connecting the churches through cell groups, and welcoming our seniors to the very end are the cords of Life that bind the Church's past, present, and future together as One. When we are united in the Holy Spirit and carry out this threefold cord of mission, the Korean Church will rise once again as a hope to the world. We firmly believe that the God of Life will be with us and lead us into the history of holy unity.

— The 111th Moderator, The Presbyterian Church of Korea, Rev. Weyoung Kwon

Rev. Dr. Sangdo Choi
General Secretary
Rev. Dr. Sangdo Choi
The Presbyterian Church
of Korea

"God of Life! Unite Us Together as One — this is both the core of our Gospel and an urgent mandate for our time."

To all our cherished congregation, the wider Korean Church, and our neighbours across society who keep the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) in your hearts and prayers: I send you God's peace.

As we convene the 111th General Assembly, my earnest prayer is that God's rich grace and the healing peace of reconciliation will rest upon every church and every believer. Over the past year, in the face of daunting challenges, you have stood firm in your faith and let the light of the Gospel shine bright. For your unwavering commitment, you have my deepest gratitude and admiration.

We stand at a critical juncture in our journey toward becoming 'a church moving beyond mere survival to life'. Through our long-term initiative, the "PCK Ecumenical Decade for Pilgrimage of Life-centred Civilisation and Ministry (2022–2032)", PCK remains dedicated to embedding the life-affirming values of God's Kingdom into the fabric of our society. In an era marked by rapid transformation and deep political and social divides, our paramount responsibility is clear: to defend, uphold, and cherish human life and dignity.

Our theme for this 111th Assembly — "God of Life! Unite Us Together as One" — is both the core of our Gospel and an urgent mandate for our time. It is a shared prayer that, by coming together in the God of Life, we can harness the transformative power of the Gospel to heal a fractured world. Building on the spirit of forgiveness and solidarity we have nurtured, we must now bridge our divisions, anchor ourselves in Christ our cornerstone, and stand as a united community.

PCK General Assembly is committed to working along this pilgrimage to bind up the wounds of conflict, empower the rising generation, and extend genuine reconciliation to the marginalised and our shared planet. This is not only our moral and social obligation, but our obedience to the call to serve as the salt and light of our nation. We pledge our full support to every local church as we foster spiritual unity, address the pressing struggles of our times, and bear faithful witness to the Gospel of life.

The Presbyterian Church of Korea

General Assembly

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) was established on September 1, 1912, as "The Presbyterian Church of Chosun." Guided by the Holy Bible and the PCK Constitution, we proclaim the Gospel and carry out our ministries accordingly. Rooted in the Reformed tradition and an ecumenical spirit, we adhere to Presbyterian doctrine, the Apostles' Creed, the 12 Articles of the Korean Presbyterian Confession of Faith, and the Westminster Catechism and Confession of Faith.

The Symbol

The Cross symbolizes Christ's work of salvation — colored red to embody the blood of Christ. The scroll signifies God's Word while mirroring the shape of the Korean Peninsula — colored green, symbolizing the hope and steadfast commitment of the PCK.

Together, the symbol portrays the PCK General Assembly's vision of witnessing the evangelization of both the Korean Peninsula and the entire world.

General Assembly, Presbytery and Session

Role of Session

Oversees worship services and the spiritual life of church members.
Administers the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.
Appoints ordained elders, senior deaconesses (Kwon-sa), and deacons.
Delegates elders to participate in the meetings of its Presbytery.

Role of Presbytery

Selects and monitors ministry candidates; sends them to PCK seminaries for training.
Trains and examines elders; equips church staff, Sunday School teachers, and lay leaders.
Commissions missionaries through the PCK's Missionary Training Curriculum.
Leads social service networks and implements General Assembly policies regionally.

Role of General Assembly

Sets the direction for the church's faith and theology; approves doctrine and constitution.
Establishes long- and short-term strategic plans for global mission.
Formulates denominational policies for presbyteries and local churches.
Engages with domestic and international ecumenical bodies and partner denominations.

The PCK Long-Term Vision

While the 21st century was expected to bring unprecedented prosperity through economic growth and technological advancement, human civilization has instead found itself mired in intersecting crises. The world, which God created, nurtured, and commanded to flourish, now faces an existential threat.

1st Decade · 2002–2012
Ecumenical Decade of the Life-Saving Movement
→
2nd Decade · 2012–2022
Ecumenical Decade of the Healing and Reconciling Life-Community Movement
→
3rd Decade · 2022–2032 ★
Pilgrimage for the Ecumenical Decade for Life Civilization and Ministry
Vision
A Global Community of Life in which the life of the Triune God breathes, rests, and springs forth — where all creation flourishes together.
삼위일체 하나님의 생명이 숨 쉬고 생명이 샘솟는 지구생명공동체
Mission
Disciples of self-giving love — glorious pilgrims enacting God's Kingdom of life on earth.
자신을 내어주는 사랑의 제자도
Goal
A life-filled church; a world where life breathes, rests, and springs anew — overcoming the overlapping crises of our age.
생명이 충만한 교회, 생명이 숨 쉬고 생명이 샘솟는 세상

Signs of the Times

Ecological Crisis

Humanity faces a "Kairos Crisis" marked by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists predict that if global temperatures rise by 1.5°C within the next decade, we will face a climatic tipping point threatening the very survival of the global community.

The COVID-19 pandemic — following Ebola, SARS, MERS, and Zika — led to an unprecedented global shutdown. These recurring outbreaks are symptoms of an ecological crisis; without a fundamental shift toward ecological civilization, even more severe pandemics are inevitable.

Technological & Social Crisis

The Fourth Industrial Revolution heralds the age of Artificial Intelligence. Some project that AI may reach a technological singularity by 2045, potentially surpassing collective human intelligence and raising profound ethical concerns about human agency.

In Korea, an aging population, record-low birth rates, and a demographic cliff threaten rural and local communities. The world groans under a New Cold War, extreme economic polarization, and the manipulation of public opinion through disinformation.

Biblical & Theological Foundations

Genesis 1:28
The Mandate of Life-Keeping
"Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it." God blessed the flourishing of all life and entrusted us as its guardians.
Deuteronomy 30:19
The Choice of Life over Death
"I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life." God commands us to choose a civilization of life.
Isaiah 65:17–25
The Vision of a New Creation
"See, I will create new heavens and a new earth." God presents a new order of life, justice, and peace.
John 3:16
The Love for All Creation
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son." God loves the entirety of His creation.
John 10:10
Abundant Life through Christ
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Jesus came so all beings might enjoy life to its fullest.
Revelation 21:1
The Restoration of All Things
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth." God offers a restored world free from tears, death, and pain.

Top 10 Urgent Issues (2022–2032)

01
Conflict and Division
02
Low Birth Rates
03
Aging Population
04
Extinction of Local Communities
05
Economic Injustice
06
Climate Crisis
07
Deterioration of the Church's Public Image
08
Support for Small Congregations
09
Education for the Next Generation
10
Village Community Ministry

PCK Vision Film 2022–2032

생명문명 생명목회 순례10년

▶  Watch on YouTube

The PCK History

In 1884, Suh Sang-ryun founded Sorae Church, the first Presbyterian church in Korea. Rev. Horace G. Underwood arrived in 1885, officially marking the beginning of Presbyterian mission work. The Pyongyang Theological Seminary was established in 1901, and by 1907 the Daehan Presbytery was organized with the first seven Korean Presbyterian pastors ordained.

Following liberation, the "Koshin" group separated in 1951, the "Ki-jang" group in 1953, and the "Hapdong" group in 1959. Since then, our denomination has been known as "The Presbyterian Church of Korea." The PCK centennial was celebrated in 1984 and the 10th WCC General Assembly was hosted in Busan in 2013. In 2022, the 107th General Assembly adopted the current decade-long vision.

All Milestones 1876–1949 1954–1998 2000–2020
1876Baek Hong-joon and three others became the first Koreans to be baptized in Manchuria.
1884Suh Sang-ryun established Sorae Church in Jang-yeon, Hwanghae Province. Dr. Horace N. Allen arrived in Korea to begin medical ministry.
1885Rev. Horace G. Underwood arrived in Korea to begin his missionary work.
1893The Presbyterian Mission Council was organized.
1901The council was reorganized into the Council of the Presbyterian Church in Chosun.
1907The Daehan Presbytery organized; 7 pastors ordained as first Korean Presbyterian pastors.
1912The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Chosun was established (September 1).
1949Official name changed to The Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK).
1984Centennial Rally; Korean Church Centennial Memorial Building constructed.
1998Long-term vision adopted: "For the Glory of God, towards a Life-Community in which All Creation Live Together in Harmony."
2002Launched the "Decade of Life-Saving Movement."
2012Centennial of the PCK General Assembly; launched the "Healing and Reconciling Life-Community Movement."
2013Hosted the 10th WCC General Assembly in Busan.
2017Presbyterian Symposium to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation.
2020Conference on "The Future of the Korean Church Post-COVID-19."
2022107th Assembly adopts "Pilgrimage for the Ecumenical Decade for Life Civilization and Ministry (2022–2032)."
1876Baek Hong-joon and three others baptized in Manchuria — first Korean Presbyterian believers.
1884Suh Sang-ryun establishes Sorae Church. Dr. H. N. Allen arrives.
1885Rev. H. G. Underwood arrives and begins ministry in Korea.
1893Presbyterian Mission Council organized.
1901Pyongyang Theological Seminary established.
1907Daehan Presbytery organized at Jangdaehyeon Church; 7 pastors ordained.
1912First General Assembly of Joseon Presbyterian Church (September 1).
1924United Council and Chosun Christian Youth Association organized.
1928National Women's Association of the Chosun Presbyterian Church organized.
1946Kidokkyogongbo (The Christian Weekly) first published.
1949Name changed to The Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK).
1954PCK Social Service Foundation established.
1973PCK General Assembly Maintenance Foundation established.
1984Centennial Rally; Korean Church Centennial Memorial Building opened.
1986PCK Confession of Faith proclaimed.
1992"Ten Thousand Churches, Four Million Members Campaign" launched.
199681st Assembly adopted "A Proposal for Developing Church Policy to Enhance Growth in the 21st Century."
199883rd Assembly adopted "For the Glory of God, towards a Life-Community in which All Creation Live Together in Harmony."
2000Conference of Korean Presbyterian Churches 2000 held.
2002Launched the "Decade of Life-Saving Movement."
2004Mission Conference for World Peace and Life (120th Anniversary) held.
2007Centennial of the 1907 Great Pyongyang Revival celebrated.
2008Centennial of the Jeju Mission; "Three Million Member Movement" launched.
2010Thanksgiving service celebrating the achievement of three million members.
2012Centennial of the PCK General Assembly; Healing & Reconciling Life-Community Movement launched.
201310th WCC General Assembly hosted in Busan.
2015"DMZ Pilgrimage" for peaceful reunification held.
2017Presbyterian Symposium for 500th Anniversary of the Reformation.
2020Conference on "The Future of the Korean Church Post-COVID-19."
Westminster Confession of Faith
12 Articles of Korean Presbyterian Confession of Faith
1986 Confession of Faith of the PCK
Member of the World Council of Churches (WCC)
Member of World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC)
Partner of the Council for World Mission (CWM)

The PCK Structure

The PCK General Assembly operates through a Moderator, Board of Directors, and General Secretary — supported by five ministry departments, standing departments, and committees.

Tier 1 · Leadership
Moderator  ·  Board of Directors  ·  General Secretary
총회장 · 임원회 · 사무총장
Advisory Committee · 자문위원회

Standing Departments (11) · 상임부

Department of Polity 정치부
Department of Rules & Bylaws 규칙부
Department of Finance 재정부
Department of Theological Education 신학교육부
Judicial Department 재판국
Department of National Mission Ministry 국내선교부
Department of World Mission 세계선교부
Department of Education and Resources 교육자원부
Department of Social Service 사회봉사부
Dept. of Military, Police & Correctional Mission 군경교정선교부
Department of Rural Mission Ministry 농어촌선교부

Standing Committees · 상임위원회

Ministerial Examination Committee 고시위원회
Constitutional Committee 헌법위원회
Audit & Supervision Committee 감사위원회
Lay Leadership Committee 평신도위원회
N-S Korea Unification Committee 남북한선교통일위원회
Training Center Operations Committee 훈련원운영위원회
Counter-Heresy & Cult Response Committee 이단·사이비대책위원회
Regular & Special Committees · 정기위원회 / 특별위원회
Statistics Committee 통계위원회 Nominations Committee 공천위원회 Election Management Committee 선거관리위원회 Committee on Order and Decorum 질서관리위원회 Committee on Procedures 절차위원회 Committee on Overtures 헌의위원회 Committee on Credentials 총대등록심사위원회 Committee on Arrangements 안내위원회 Ecumenical Committee 에큐메니칼위원회 + Other Special Committees 특별위원회
사무총장실
Office of the General Secretary
The former Office of the General Secretary, Ecumenical Relations and Planning Office, and Communications & Publicity Team have been consolidated into the newly expanded Office of the General Secretary — providing direct administrative support, strategic planning, press & PR, and ecumenical relations.
국내와군특수선교처
Dept. of National and Military Mission and Ministry
National Evangelism: Driving the national evangelization movement and supporting the planting of new churches.
Military Mission: Formulating mission policies for military installations.
Specialized Ministries: Correctional facilities, schools, hospitals, and police forces.
해외다문화선교처
Dept. of PCK World Mission
Missionary Support: ~1,633 missionaries across 93 countries worldwide.
Education & Training: Candidate training, continuing education, and MK schooling.
Global & Migrant Outreach: Multicultural families in Korea.
교육훈련처
Dept. of Christian Education and Training
Policy & Environment: Revitalizing Sunday Schools and faith-based education.
Resource Development: Educational materials, books, and multimedia resources.
Leadership Empowerment: Equipping pastors and lay leaders.
도농사회처
Dept. of Urban and Rural Mission and Ministry
Social Welfare & Policy: Strategic social welfare programs for the community.
Justice & Ecology: Ecological preservation and human rights campaigns.
Unification Ministry: Peaceful reunification of North and South Korea.
행정재무처
Dept. of Administration and Finance
Legal & Ecclesiastical: Constitution, rules, and judicial proceedings.
Finance: Budgeting, auditing, and financial policy.
Digital Assets: Website and digitalization of administrative processes.

The PCK Organization

Ecumenical Mission Partner Churches & International Organizations
Asia
Church of South India (CSI) Church of North India (CNI) Presbyterian Church of India (PCI) Metropolitan Mar Thoma Church (MMTC) Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP) Christian Evangelical Church in Minahasa (GMIM) Church of Jesus Christ in Indonesia (GIA) Gereja Masehi Injili di Timor (GMIT) Church of Christ in Japan (CCJ) United Church of Christ in Japan (UCCJ) Jesus Christ Church in Japan (JCCJ) Korean Christian Church in Japan (KCCJ) Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT) United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) SIB Sabah, SIB Sarawak, SIB Semenanjung Basel Christian Church of Malaysia (BCCM)
Europe
Protestant Church in the Netherlands (PKN) Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches (PCS) The Church of Scotland (CoS) Presbyterian Church of Wales (PCW) The United Reformed Church (URC) Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (ECCB) United Protestant Church of France (EPUdF) The Reformed Church in Hungary (RCH)
Africa
Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG) Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) Eglise Evangelique du Gabon (EEDG) Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Communaute Presbyterienne de Kinshasa (CPK) Ethiopia Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK)
Pacific
Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ) Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV)
Middle / South America
Iglesia Evangelica Dominicana (IED) Presbyterian Church of Brasil (IPB) National Presbyterian Church of Mexico (INPM) Reformed Presbyterian Church in Cuba (RPCC) Iglesia Evangelica Presbiteriana Boliviana (IEPB)
North America
The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) The Presbyterian Church in U.S.A. (PCUSA) Reformed Church in America (RCA) Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad (KPCA)
International Ecumenical Organizations
World Council of Churches WCC World Communion of Reformed Churches WCRC Christian Conference of Asia CCA Council for World Mission CWM Evangelical Mission in Solidarity EMS Mission21

Contact
the PCK

We welcome inquiries from churches, ecumenical partners, and individuals around the world.

📍

PCK Centennial Memorial Building
29 Daehak-ro 3-gil (135 Yeonji-dong)
Jongno-gu, Seoul 03128, Korea

📞

+82-2-741-4350 (ext. 9224)

📠

+82-2-6008-2982

✉

plan@pck.or.kr  |  pck.ecu@gmail.com

📍

PCK Centennial Memorial Building

29 Daehak-ro 3-gil (135 Yeonji-dong)
Jongno-gu, Seoul 03128, Korea

37°34′27″N · 127°00′12″E

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