Living in LA's Koreatown, you inevitably hear a name at least once.

That name is the Young Nak Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles.

It may seem like just "a big church," but it is not just any church; it is a place that embodies the history of the Korean community in LA.

This church started in 1951. By today's standards, that's over 70 years.

It has been around since the early days of Korean immigration to LA.

Initially, it was a small gathering of just a few people worshiping together.

But as the Korean population in LA grew, so did the church. Now, it is one of the largest Korean churches in LA.

In Koreatown, there are churches like this at the center of the community. Especially, Young Nak Church serves as a sort of starting point for "newcomers to LA." It's a place not just for worship, but also for gathering information, meeting people, and connecting with life.

The worship services are well-structured. There are separate services in Korean and English.

1.5 and 2nd generation members naturally transition to the English service. This is important because while parents speak Korean, children often speak English, making it easy for them to drift apart. Here, they connect in the same space, which is why many families attend together.

The Sunday school and youth programs are quite robust. It's not just about attending church; it also serves as a community for kids. The youth group, in particular, functions almost like a network. Making friends in LA can be tough, but many find connections here.

Another notable aspect is the volunteer work. They consistently engage in activities like food banks, homeless support, and free legal consultations.

This is especially helpful for new immigrants who may not be familiar with English or the system. They provide translation, share living information, and help guide newcomers on where to go. Thus, for those arriving in LA, the church feels less like just a religious space and more like a "base camp for living."

The facilities are also large. There are separate educational buildings, plenty of meeting spaces, and ample parking. Events like Easter and Christmas are almost community events. Even those who are not members come to see and participate. When Korean churches in LA are mentioned on Korean broadcasts, Young Nak Church is almost always included.

These days, online worship is well-established, allowing those who cannot attend in person to participate. Many seniors watch services on YouTube. Adapting to the times is one reason this church has remained relevant for so long.

However, in recent years, there have been significant internal conflicts. Issues like the misuse of authority by the pastor and the spread of false information have led to problems with the denomination.

Particularly, some members raised concerns about scholarship usage and operational transparency, escalating the conflict.

Ultimately, in 2021, the church decided to withdraw from the Korean Presbyterian Church in America.

The church proceeded with the withdrawal through its own resolution, while the denomination did not recognize this, leading to legal disputes. Given the church's size, these issues did not remain simple internal conflicts but escalated into property rights disputes.

Recently, issues have also arisen regarding the church's funeral service organization. With discussions of bankruptcy due to mismanagement, the potential losses could reach millions of dollars. This has led to significant division among members regarding accountability.

From all this, one can observe that a church is ultimately a gathering of people. As the size increases, the positive roles also grow, but so do the problems.

Nevertheless, the reason this church continues to hold its ground is simple. The function that early immigrants had in supporting each other still exists. Young Nak Church in LA is not just any church; it is a space where history, community, and networks intertwine.

If you live near Koreatown, it wouldn't hurt to visit at least once. There are always Korean members who will greet you, making it less unfamiliar than you might think. This is another characteristic of the Korean community in LA.

https://www.youngnak.com/