The group's lack of awareness of the dangers led them to travel in a rented luxury bus at night in a Taliban-stronghold area - making them an easy target, according to Chosun Ilbo.
Complaints were also aimed at Korean churches in general for holding the popular view that the number of missionaries sent is a measure of the church's power. South Korea is the second highest missionary sending country in the world behind the United States.
Korean churches were called to reflect on the problem and discuss how they can share their faith around the world while respecting different cultures and beliefs.
"And only if they find solutions following such discussions to ensure this type of incident will not happen again can the diplomatic and financial losses of the Korean government and the psychological sufferings of the public be justified," scolded Chosun Ilbo.
Several prominent Korean church organisations have said they will stop missionaries from going to Afghanistan in adherence with the government's agreement with the Taliban and discuss possible changes to overseas mission strategies. The Protestant organisations include the Christian Council of Korea and the Korea National Council of Churches.
Meanwhile, the head of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), the Rev Dr Geoff Tunnicliffe, announced his plan to meet with Korean Christian leaders during his visit to South Korea September 13-17 to discuss the implications of the hostage crisis and the Korean Government's ban on Christian workers to Afghanistan.
"We truly feel sorry and thank the whole nation," said an apologetic Yu Kyong-sik, one of the freed hostages upon her arrival in South Korea, according to Yonhap news service. "We went [to Afghanistan] to extend affection, but ended up giving much trouble and anxiety to the Korean people and government."
"All of us owe a big debt to the country and the South Korean people," said Lyu Kyung-sik, another freed hostage, according to Reuters. "When thinking about the trouble we have caused them, it is proper for us to bow deeply and ask for your forgiveness."
All 21 hostages, including the two females freed earlier in August, were reunited Sunday and brought to a hospital in Anyang, south of Seoul.
