I am not a Catholic. But my wife and child are Catholic. I respect their faith and often go to Catholic holy sites and churches in Korea for them. I’ll write about the five places that were impressive among the Catholic sacred places of Korea I attended.
The way Catholicism was spread outside Europe was primarily through colonial occupation. However, Korea was different. Catholicism prevailed in Korea through the martyrdom of its missionaries and the evangelism of the lower classes in Korea. Non-mainstream believers have resisted persecution. The places where the Catholic communities that lived to hide from persecution were now recognized as Catholic sacred sites.
When planning a trip to Korea, people usually think only of Seoul or Jeju Island. However, there are many Catholic sacred sites in Korea, and visiting these places will be a new trip to Catholic believers. Among the many Catholic sacred places in Korea, I will introduce some beautiful Catholic sacred places.
1. Nabawei sacred place
Address : 146, Nabawi 1-gil, Mangseong-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do
Homepage : http://www.nabawi.or.kr/
This is a Catholic sacred place on a small mountain.
Unlike other Korean Catholic churches, the Catholic church in the sacred place was built in an authentic Korean style.
Behind the church is the road to the top of the mountain.
2. Solmoe sacred place
Address : 132, Solmoe-ro, Ugang-myeon, Dangjin-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Homepage : http://www.solmoe.or.kr/
This is where Father Andrea, the first priest in Korea, was born. It is good to take a walk along the pilgrimage route and meditate.
And this is where Pope Francesca visited.
3. Mirine sacred place
Address : 4, Mirinaeseongji-ro, Yangseong-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do
Here is the tomb of Father Andrea, the first priest in Korea. There is a modern-style Catholic church, the pilgrim’s way is back to the church.
The bronze statue on the pilgrim’s way is impressive.
4. Baeti sacred place
Address : 663-1, Baeti-ro, Baekgok-myeon, Jincheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
Homepage : http://www.baeti.org/
It is my favorite Catholic sacred place.
When you walk up the hill from the entrance, there is a small and beautiful Catholic church. Going further up the hill leads to the pilgrim’s way to the forest. At the end of the pilgrim’s way is the Virgin Mary statue. It is so beautiful when it comes to snow in winter time.
5. Hwangsae sacred place
Address : 118, Wangneung-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Homepage : http://hwangsae.or.kr/home/
In springtime, here is so peaceful and beautiful in the bright sunshine.
But, this is the place where the greatest number of Koreans in history were martyred.
There is a saying that “the number of those who are martyred here can not be counted, and only the Lord knows this number.”
In addition to this, there are many Catholic sacred places and beautiful Catholic churches in Korea.
If you have any more questions, I will write about other Catholic sacred places and churches that I have visited.
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