Comments on: Kyungdong Presbyterian Church

By: Kim Swoo-geun Works Disappearing | The Marmot's Hole

Kim Swoo-geun Works Disappearing | The Marmot's Hole — Tue, 06 May 2008 03:52:56 +0000

[...] Note: As you know, I’m a big fan of Kim Swoo-geun — see here, here and here for photo essays dedicated to his work. Obviously, it saddens me to see any of his work torn down [...]

By: The Marmot’s Hole » Changdeokgung Palace and Environs

The Marmot’s Hole » Changdeokgung Palace and Environs — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 06:24:03 +0000

[...] firm founded by master architect Kim Swoo-geun (about whom you can read here, here and here). Kim designed the old headquarters, the brick building to the left (completed in 1971), while [...]

By: Robert Koehler

Robert Koehler — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:08:06 +0000

I’m very intrigued (one thinks of the catacombs and caves used by the early Christians)

In fact, I believe Kim Swoo-geun’s interior design was inspired by the catacombs.

By: NathanB

NathanB — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:05:46 +0000

Robert, those are absolutely fantastic pictures of a truly amazing structure!

I agree that the inside does have a hint of the demonic and hellish about it, largely due to the red carpet and the color of the cave-like walls. Many churches have cave-like interiors nowadays, and sometimes I like that and sometimes I don’t. In this particular case, I’m very intrigued (one thinks of the catacombs and caves used by the early Christians), but also nonplussed by the fact that the interior looks–like too many churches nowadays–like a theater.

By: danson

danson — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 04:32:41 +0000

Actually, the use of vertical lines on the outside, and more organic cavernous inner sanctum really reminds of Superman’s fortress of solitude.

By: captbbq

captbbq — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 03:33:17 +0000

The asymmetry and rock texture of the walls, inside and out, gives it almost a demonic feel to it. Not what I would want from a church.

For some reason it brings to mind South Parks hell renditions…

By: Robert Koehler

Robert Koehler — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 02:54:13 +0000

I’d like to get a VR lens eventually, but they are a bit expensive.

I used a tripod for the outdoor shots above, which seemed to come out OK, but I didn’t have time to set up the tripod for the indoor shots.

By: R. Elgin

R. Elgin — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:52:04 +0000

Wow, that is an amazing interior. It looks like a stage setting for a dramatic play.

I second the VR lens since some digital cameras are capable at operating well in low light conditions but one must not breathe or else there is jiggling.

By: WangKon936

WangKon936 — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 22:07:38 +0000

Looks like a hand pointed skyward. Yes, very “Speerish”…

Hey Rob, have you thought about getting a VR (vibration reduction) lens to go with your Nikon 40x? It certainly does make a difference in the lower shutter speeds. About two stops worth.

By: danson

danson — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 20:50:12 +0000

I gotta say, “awe-inspiring” is absolutely the correct description, inside and out. What it isn’t is “inviting” or “friendly”. It appears to be a very austere, almost sinister structure.