Seoul Myeongdong Catholic Church Historic Private Walking Tour

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Seoul Myeongdong Catholic Church Historic Private Walking Tour

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2h
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Overview

The Miracle of Korean Catholicism
Welcome to Myeongdong Cathedral. It was Built in 1898 as Korea’s first Gothic brick church, it holds a truly miraculous history.
Unlike most nations, Catholicism in Korea was started voluntarily by local Confucian scholars, not foreign missionaries. They formed the first faith community right on this hill. Though faced with centuries of brutal persecution, this self-sown faith birthed 103 saints and 124 beatified martyrs. Under the altar lies the Crypt, enshrining seven 1839 martyrs. Truly, their blood became the fertiliser of the Korean Church.
In 1984, Pope John Paul II canonised the 103 saints here—the first time in Vatican history a canonization happened outside Rome. Following Pope Francis’s moving visit in 2014, the Vatican Secretary of State also visited Myeongdong Cathedral in 2017, solidifying this sacred ground as a global beacon of peace. Today, this legacy continues as Seoul proudly prepares to host World Youth Day (WYD).

Activity location

Seoul Archdiocesan Catholic History Museum
- 74 Myeongdong-gil
- 04537, Myeongdong-gil, Seoul, South Korea

Meeting/Redemption Point

Seoul Archdiocesan Catholic History Museum
- 74 Myeongdong-gil
- 04537, Myeongdong-gil, Seoul, South Korea

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Seoul Myeongdong Catholic Church Historic Private Walking Tour

2h
English

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time

Price details

NZ$34.73 x 1 AdultNZ$34.73

Total

Until Sat, 11 Jul

What's included, what's not

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Public transport options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Seoul Archdiocesan Catholic History Museum

The History Museum of Seoul Archidiocese Built in 1890, this building is celebrated as one of the oldest surviving Western-style brick structures in Korea. It initially served as the rectory (parish office and residence) for Myeongdong Cathedral before being transformed into a museum. Inside, visitors can explore rare historical artefacts, documents, and records that trace the resilience, martyrdom, and growth of the Korean Catholic community through times of persecution and modernization. It stands not only as a religious repository but also as a living monument to Korea's architectural and cultural history.

명동성당앞

Start your tour at the Main Gate, stepping into the sacred heart of the cathedral to face the central Altar and its magnificent Altar Painting. Next, admire the statues of the 14 Disciples of Jesus and the vibrant, storytelling hues of the Stained Glass, before pausing at the historic Baptism Water Container. The journey then traces the roots of Korean Catholicism through its pioneer figures: from Thomas Kim Beomwu, who hosted the earliest faith community, and The John Baptist, to the statue of St. Kim Daegun, Korea's first priest. Moving forward, reflect on the faith of the martyrs at The Painting of 7 Beatification and learn about Pedro Lee Seunghun, the first baptized Korean. Marvel at the grand Pipe Organ before walking the reflective path of the 14 Stations of the Cross. Finally, conclude your pilgrimage by honouring the modern legacies of peace left by Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis.

Myeong-dong Cathedral

The Crypt of Myeongdong Cathedral It is a sacred underground chapel located beneath the main altar. Established during the cathedral's construction in 1898, it serves as a deeply revered pilgrimage site and the spiritual foundation of Korean Catholicism. The crypt enshrines the holy relics of historical martyrs and saints who sacrificed their lives during the severe anti-Catholic persecutions of the Joseon Dynasty. Among them are the remains of French missionaries, including Bishop Laurent Imbert, and notable Korean devotees who laid the groundwork for the local faith.

Myeong-dong Cathedral

Mary's Garden It is a beautifully landscaped, serene outdoor sanctuary located right behind Myeongdong Cathedral. Centred around a graceful statue of the Virgin Mary, this peaceful garden offers a quiet retreat for prayer, meditation, and reflection, contrasting deeply with the bustling shopping streets of the surrounding Myeongdong district. The Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes: The garden features the statue of the Immaculate Conception, standing solemnly as a symbol of comfort, maternal protection, and peace for all visitors.

Myeong-dong Cathedral

Coste Hall A Gateway of Missionaries and the Reconstruction of St. Kim Daegun's Bust Coste Hall holds a profound historical significance as the symbolic starting point where early Catholic missionaries departed to spread their faith across Korea, enduring severe hardships and martyrdom. Today, it is also highly regarded for housing a deeply moving piece of sacred art: the sculpted bust of St. Andrew Kim Daegun, Korea’s first Catholic priest.

Myeongdong Catedral

Mary's Grotto ; The Lourdes Grotto of Bishop Paul Ro is a sacred outdoor sanctuary located within the peaceful grounds of Myeongdong Cathedral. Modelled on the famous apparition site in Lourdes, France, this beautiful stone grotto was dedicated by Bishop Paul Ro (Ro Ki-nam)—the very first native Korean Catholic bishop—as a place of profound devotion, gratitude, and communal prayer.

Location

Activity location

Seoul Archdiocesan Catholic History Museum
- 74 Myeongdong-gil
- 04537, Myeongdong-gil, Seoul, South Korea

Meeting/Redemption Point

Seoul Archdiocesan Catholic History Museum
- 74 Myeongdong-gil
- 04537, Myeongdong-gil, Seoul, South Korea

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