[국가유산지킴이기자단] Myeongdong Cathedral, Seoul’s Historic Catholic Landmark

최종편집 2026-05-31(일)

[교육연합신문=이채원 학생기자]

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The Myeongdong Cathedral(명동성당) is located in Seoul, South Korea, and stands as one of the most visited and populous churches in Korea. It is officially known as the Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception, and is located at the heart of Myeongdong. As Korea’s first Catholic cathedral, it is a powerful symbol of Korean Catholicism and religious freedom.

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The site itself has been sacred since 1784, when Korea’s first Catholic community secretly gathered there during the Joseon Dynasty–a period when Christianity was banned. The official construction of the current cathedral began in 1894 under the supervision of French missionaries. King Gojong laid the first stone, and the building was completed on May 29, 1898. At the time, it was the largest building in Seoul and the first Gothic-style church in Korea.

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The Myeongdong Cathedral now serves as the birthplace of organized Korean Catholicism and a sanctuary for persecuted believers in the past. It is a symbol of religious tolerance and national identity. The cathedral itself houses the relics of the Korean martyrs, especially the martyrs of the 1866 persecution, making it a central pilgrimage site.

Myeongdong Cathedral has been a center for social justice, democracy, and peace movements in Korea in the modern era. Rallies and vigils have been held there during times of significant political change, thereby underscoring the cathedral’s impact on modern Korean society. The site, of course, remains a safe, public place of worship for anyone to pray, protest, or reflect.

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During the winter season and Christmas, Myeongdong Cathedral has become a major Christmas destination, hosting special Christmas masses, midnight masses, carol concerts, and other public events. The cathedral and Myeongdong district together create a vibrant Christmas atmosphere.

As a living monument of Korea’s religious history, Myeongdong Cathedral continues to inspire faith and national identity, especially during holidays such as Christmas. It is heavily recommended for all, believers and nonbelievers, to visit the beautiful site with warm clothes and open hearts.

이채원 학생기자 emiliewonie@gmail.com 이 기자의 다른 기사 보기