PSALM 18:2
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Wolmyeongdong
INSPIRED BY GOD MADE BY HIS PEOPLE
THE LORD
IS MY ROCK
Long before the written Word, God spoke through creation. The sky, the mountains, the oceans—every part of nature declares His power and presence. Wolmyeongdong was created to speak to people through this language of creation. More than just a scenic place, it stands as a living testimony of God’s divine intervention and design in our time.
Its beginning was nothing like now
By the 1970s, only three households remained in Wolmyeongdong. Due to the mountainous terrain, the area had no natural water source, making life even harder. Among those remaining was Pastor Jung’s family, who often looked upon his hometown with sorrow and despair.
He scoffed at the wilderness. How could anyone spread the gospel in such a place? Compared to this barren valley, the bustling city of Seoul seemed a far better stage for ministry.
A DESOLATE LAND
BARREN VALLEY
Nestled in Geumsan, west of Seoul, Wolmyeongdong is surrounded by rolling valleys and sloping hills. Located in a mountainous region with elevated terrain, the area posed significant challenges for development. Winters can dip as low as -11°C, while summers rise to a sweltering 30°C—conditions ideal for Geumsan’s most renowned export: ginseng.
Before the 1990s, most villagers were ginseng farmers. At its peak, ginseng farming brought great prosperity. But over time, demand declined, and with it, so did the village’s vitality. As young adults migrated to cities in search of work, Geumsan grew desolate. With a shrinking and aging population, much of the land—including Wolmyeongdong—fell into neglect.
Pastor Jung later went to Seoul to begin his mission. Over nine years, he gathered a large following. Wherever he preached, crowds would gather—so large that they overflowed the halls, filling every corner. People even climbed cabinets just to hear the Word.
As the congregation grew, public venues could no longer hold them. Pastor Jung began to pray for a larger, permanent space. In response, God revealed His answer—not a new city, but his very hometown. The same land that once felt like a burden would now become a sanctuary shaped by divine will.
BUILDING WOLMYEONGDONG
GOD’S NATURAL TEMPLE
Pastor Jung hoped for a church building. Instead, God led him to an open, desolate field. Many mocked his vision of developing such barren land. Despite their doubts, and his own, he followed God’s voice. In 1991, he began the work that became Wolmyeongdong, God’s Natural Temple.
Preaching on undeveloped land was impossible. The area had to be transformed not only for function, but for God’s glory. With no financial backing, only deep faith, prayer, and conviction, Pastor Jung began acquiring land piece by piece.
Each plot belonged to long-time residents. He approached them with humility and perseverance. Some agreed quickly; others resisted. One parcel took over 20 years to secure. Guided by God, he pressed on, proving that true change is built through devotion and long obedience.
At the same time, he began to develop the small plots he already owned.
Inspired by Psalm 19:1
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands,” he envisioned a place that reflected God’s creation—a natural temple, not made of bricks, but of rocks, trees, and living land.”
Why rocks? Because God is our rock, the unshakable foundation on which our faith stands. Every tree and stone in Wolmyeongdong was placed not at random, but with spiritual meaning—each one carrying the whisper of God’s voice.
Just like how God used nature before written words, Wolmyeongdong speaks today through creation—allowing all who visit to reflect, pray, and feel closer to the Creator.
TRANSFORMATION
FROM A DESOLATE VALLEY TO GOD’S NATURAL TEMPLE
Wolmyeongdong was painstakingly built with God. Each rock and tree was meticulously planned and carefully placed, in the process of planning and building this temple, Pastor Jung had a power realization. Just like the rocks and trees, we are wonderfully, and fearfully, made. Like the rocks and trees were made with love, so we too, need to love lives. To remember this realization, he carved onto the last stone placed in the Ambition Masterpiece, love lives.