Myeongdong Cathedral

WHY VISIT

Myeongdong Cathedral is the very first Roman Catholic parish church in Korea. It is also the first Gothic building ever built in Korea and was designated as Historic site No. 285 in Korea. On the basement floor, there is a small sanctuary where the remains of the martyrs are enshrined, and where visitors to the cathedral can pay their respects. Every May, Myeongdong Cathedral holds a cultural festival. The construction of the cathedral started in 1892 and was completed in 1898. Unlike most Gothic buildings, Myeongdong Cathedral was built with bricks instead of stones. It gives the cathedral a characteristic atmosphere. The splendid high ceilings inside the church and the arches in between the magnificent inner pillars show the beautiful Gothic style well. The basement contains the remains of nine saints and martyrs, who devoted their lives to the propagation of Catholicism in Korea. Behind the cathedral, Seongmo Dongsan (St. Mary's garden) is situated. During lunch hour, pipe organs are playing here. The garden offers a peaceful resting space after visiting the cathedral.