Myeongdong is the most visited place by tourists in Seoul. It's a representative shopping area with various department stores and bustling street vendors, along with many restaurants, food trucks, and historical modern and contemporary buildings. Among them, the Myeongdong Cathedral is unmissable.
Walking around Myeongdong, you might spot a soaring Gothic-style cathedral. Myeongdong Cathedral may not be as grand as those in Europe, nor as large as religious facilities in China or Japan, but it holds numerous stories of Korea.
Today, let's talk about the symbol of Myeongdong, the Myeongdong Cathedral. Situated amidst Korea's sorrowful modern history, understanding this cathedral sheds light on Korea's contemporary history.
March, 1959
Catholicism entered Korea not as a religion but as a study. It was initially referred to as "Western Studies(서양 학문)" or simply "Western Learning(서학)". During the mid-Joseon Dynasty, envoys who visited the Ming Dynasty (now China) brought Western knowledge to Korea, gradually spreading this 'Western Learning'. Catholicism quickly spread in Korean society due to its teaching of equality regardless of social status, gender, or class.
Catholicism entered Korea not as a religion but as a study. It was initially referred to as "Western Studies(서양 학문)" or simply "Western Learning(서학)". During the mid-Joseon Dynasty, envoys who visited the Ming Dynasty (now China) brought Western knowledge to Korea, gradually spreading this 'Western Learning'. Catholicism quickly spread in Korean society due to its teaching of equality regardless of social status, gender, or class.
Tak Heesung (1921~1992)
However, Catholicism was not tolerated in Korea at the time. The government executed numerous Catholic believers. There's a place in Korea called "Jeoldusan," meaning "mountain of severed heads." Approximately, eight thousand Catholic believers were beheaded there. Catholicism faced persecution, but after many clergy and believers were martyred, it was finally recognized as a religion through the 1886 Korea-France Treaty(朝佛修好條約).
However, Catholicism was not tolerated in Korea at the time. The government executed numerous Catholic believers. There's a place in Korea called "Jeoldusan," meaning "mountain of severed heads." Approximately, eight thousand Catholic believers were beheaded there. Catholicism faced persecution, but after many clergy and believers were martyred, it was finally recognized as a religion through the 1886 Korea-France Treaty(朝佛修好條約).
Archdiocese of Seoul
Cultural Heritage Administration
Cultural Heritage Administration
Construction of the Myeongdong Cathedral faced various challenges and delays. The cornerstone was laid on May 29, 1898. Its official name is the "The Cathedral Church of Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception."
소년한국일보
The cathedral was built in the Gothic style, characterized by high ceilings, pointed spires, and elongated pointed arch windows. Inside, sunlight filters through stained glass windows. Looking down from above, it bears the typical shape of a Latin cross. Beneath the cathedral lie the remains of five saints and four martyrs.
Myeongdong Cathedral Official Website
Myeongdong Cathedral Official Website
The construction of the cathedral in the heart of Seoul's Myeongdong was more than just a church; it symbolized Korea's declaration of complete religious freedom. Subsequently, the cathedral became intertwined with Korea's modern history, facing numerous trials and tribulations.
The construction of the cathedral in the heart of Seoul's Myeongdong was more than just a church; it symbolized Korea's declaration of complete religious freedom. Subsequently, the cathedral became intertwined with Korea's modern history, facing numerous trials and tribulations.
Myeongdong Cathedral During Japanese colonial era
During the Japanese colonial period, there were attempts to remove the bell from the cathedral's bell tower. Also, due to Archbishop Gustave-Charles-Marie Mutel's pro-Japanese inclinations, Korean Catholics couldn't participate in independence movements. Mutel even declared that Ahn Jung-geun, a prominent independence activist, was not a Catholic and ordered priests not to give him absolution.
During the Japanese colonial period, there were attempts to remove the bell from the cathedral's bell tower. Also, due to Archbishop Gustave-Charles-Marie Mutel's pro-Japanese inclinations, Korean Catholics couldn't participate in independence movements. Mutel even declared that Ahn Jung-geun, a prominent independence activist, was not a Catholic and ordered priests not to give him absolution.
Archbishop Gustave-Charles-Marie Mutel
During the Korean War, the cathedral narrowly escaped being bombed. When the US military proposed bombing the area around the cathedral to remove communist forces, Korean Catholics opposed, leading to the plan's cancellation.
During the Korean War, the cathedral narrowly escaped being bombed. When the US military proposed bombing the area around the cathedral to remove communist forces, Korean Catholics opposed, leading to the plan's cancellation.
In the 1970s and 1980s, during the democratization and labor movements, the cathedral played a central role. As a religious institution, it provided a sanctuary for activists and the marginalized. Among them, Cardinal Kim Soo-hwan was prominent.
Cardinal Kim Soo-hwan and photo of Park Jong-chul
During the democratization movement in 1987, the cathedral played a significant role. When Seoul National University student Park Jong-chul died under police torture, the cathedral held memorial masses. During the June Democratic Uprising, it provided shelter for protesters and shielded them from police arrests.
During the democratization movement in 1987, the cathedral played a significant role. When Seoul National University student Park Jong-chul died under police torture, the cathedral held memorial masses. During the June Democratic Uprising, it provided shelter for protesters and shielded them from police arrests.
Korea Democracy Foundation
Despite its turbulent history, the Myeongdong Cathedral has transformed into a beautiful tourist destination. It's also a popular wedding venue for Korean Catholics. However, its history remains remembered through various signs scattered throughout the area.
Actress Lee Young Ah Instagram
If you visit Myeongdong, make sure to visit the towering cathedral. While appreciating its beautiful architecture, remember the sacrifices of those who fought there. Let's remember that the land we tread on is made up of someone's sacrifices and love.
If you visit Myeongdong, make sure to visit the towering cathedral. While appreciating its beautiful architecture, remember the sacrifices of those who fought there. Let's remember that the land we tread on is made up of someone's sacrifices and love.
Comments
September said:
Thank you so much for this blog. I am planning a trip to Korea soon, and this has given me an exciting place to visit. I have a love for architecture and look forward to seeing this beautiful building. Knowing the history of it makes it that much more appealing.
April 16, 2024