There are currently three Masonic lodges meeting in the Republic of Korea chartered by the Grand Lodge of Scotland. Because of the relatively small number of active masons on the peninsula, a strong fellowship exists between these three lodges. Besides Scottish Constituted lodges, there is one from the Philippines and numerous Prince Hall Lodges. MacArthur Lodge No. 183, Sprig of Acacia #93, Lion of Judah #94, Guiding Light #95, II Corinthians #96, Louis R. Solomon #112.
Han Yang Lodge No. 1048, Lodge Pusan No. 1675, and Lodge Harry S. Truman No. 1727 are on the Roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. MacArthur Lodge No. 183 holds its charter from the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines. Below is some additional information about each lodge:
·Seoul·
Lodge Han Yang No. 1048
Lodge Han Yang No. 1048 is the oldest Masonic Lodge in the Republic of Korea. Consecrated in November of 1908 the Lodge has endured the Occupation of Japan, World War II and the Korean War. Our members come from Korea and around the world making our Lodge truly cosmopolitan. Our Lodge is a Scottish Constitution Lodge under the guidance of the District Grand Lodge of the Far East.
The Lodge meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7:30pm in the Cheesman Room of the Seoul Club. Visiting Brethren are always welcome!
Website: www.lodgehanyang.org
Email: hanyangmason@hotmail.com
II Corinthians Lodge #96 (M.W.P.H.G.L.WA)
District # 10 – Republic of KoreaMacArthur Lodge No. 183
MacArthur Lodge No. 183, chartered in 1964, is the only Masonic Lodge of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines in operation on the Korean Peninsula. Morning Calm Lodge No. 189 merged with MacArthur Lodge No. 183 in 1996. All constituent lodges of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines work a form of the American Webb Ritual, closely aligned to Californian forms. Consequently, lodges open in the third degree, and conduct normal lodge business at separate meetings.
MacArthur Lodge No. 183 meets on the Yongsan U.S. Army Garrison in Seoul. Meetings take place on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm. Special meetings are also held on some Saturday mornings for degree work.
Website: www.macarthur183.net
Email: thewebmaster@macarthur183.net
·Pyeongtaek·
Lodge Harry S. Truman No. 1727
Harry S. Truman Masonic Lodge was founded in 1979. Harry S. Truman is a Scottish Constituted Lodge under the Charter of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The lodge building is located near Pyeongtaek City. Meetings are usually followed by harmony in the Keystone Lounge.
Lodge Truman meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month at 7:00pm and usually holds special meetings on the second Saturday of the month.
Website: www.trumanlodge1727.com
Email: secretary@trumanlodge1727.com
·Busan·
Lodge Pusan No. 1675
Lodge Pusan No. 1675 was chartered on 3 May 1973, on the Roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
Lodge Pusan No. 1675 meets on one Saturday each month. Contact the lodge secretary for further details.
Email: ltcalexander@yahoo.com
WORK
Many guests only hear of Freemasonry initially in relation to some conspiracy theory or as a sensationalist news story attempting to reveal the secrets of our conquest for world domination. We have had first timers inquire about “RFID chips” and others wanting us to help them negotiate a deal with Satan. Our work could not be further from these pursuits. We have been active on the peninsula since 1908 building a harmonious society that values integrity. We have no ties to the Illumni.
Although, many of our events are private, we often invite guests who have shown themselves to be supporters of our order. We raise our glasses and toast good deeds to develop the Brotherhood of men.
Our “work” includes volunteering at Orphanages by serving food or gathering donations on their behalf.
We’ll spend a great afternoon helping Santa distribute some gifts and spend time with some locals.
We solemnly visit cemeteries and honour those that have led before us.
The events we organise and attend are meant to promote our traditions of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. No monetary compensation is accepted.