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Seoul Myeongdong Catholic Church Historic Private Walking Tour
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Seoul Myeongdong Catholic Church Historic Private Walking Tour
Next available dates
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11 Jul
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17 Jul
Bestseller
Seoul Myeongdong Catholic Church Historic Private Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Instant confirmation
Free cancellation
From
NZD 37
For KrisFlyer members only
Highlights
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 fertilizer of the Korean Church.
In 1984, Pope John Paul II canonized 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).
Itinerary
Seoul Archdiocesan Catholic History Museum
50 minsAdmission Ticket FreeThe 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 artifacts, 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
20 minsAdmission Ticket FreeStart 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 honoring the modern legacies of peace left by Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis.Myeong-dong Cathedral
10 minsAdmission Ticket FreeThe 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
15 minsAdmission Ticket FreeMary's Garden It is a beautifully landscaped, serene outdoor sanctuary located right behind Myeongdong Cathedral. Centered 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
15 minsAdmission Ticket FreeCoste 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
10 minsAdmission Ticket FreeMary's Grotto ; The Lourdes Grotto of Bishop Paul Ro is a sacred outdoor sanctuary located within the peaceful grounds of Myeongdong Cathedral. Modeled after 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.
What's included
INCLUDED
대면 가이드
Customer reviews
Additional information
Must Know
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Good To Know
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Location
Address
74 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 04537
Provider
TCS TOUR LAB
From
NZD 37
or use 2,757 KrisFlyer miles
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