Tag Archives: Seoul

Purple flowers, guest collection #268

Seoul, Korea
July 7, 2025
photo by Sera Chung

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An inadequate prayer in the face of tragedy in the Itaewon area of Seoul

God –

our minds stagger,

our hearts hurt,

our spirits sink

as we hear the news

of tragedy unimaginable

in the Itaewon area of Seoul.

Understanding falters,

words prove inadequate

and still we turn to you in prayer.

Comfort your children who grieve

for loved ones who died.

Work healing in your children

who are injured.

Support first responders,

medical personnel, and all who

provide care.

Guide the people of Itaewon,

of the Republic of Korea,

of the world,

as our spirits rage in anger,

and our minds flounder to process

to find appropriate responses.

Even in this time of profound grief,

perhaps especially in this time of profound grief,

help everyone – all your children – wherever we might be,

help us to love.

Amen.

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24 March 2013, Republic of Korea

I had the privilege and honor of preaching on Palm Sunday in the Cheongju Jeil Presbyterian Church. Founded in 1904, this church is the “Mother Church” to many other congregations in the area. Pastor Lee’s family provided a wonderful lunch after the service.

A visit to the Korean Folk Village in the city of Yongin in the Seoul Metropolitan Area followed. We spent over two hours and closed down the living museum, but we barely scratched the surface of things to see and do.

A fairly straightforward, most excellent day.

See you along the Trail.

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