Myeong-dong Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church at 74 Myeongdong-gil, in Seoul’s busy Myeong-dong shopping district. Built of brick in a Gothic style and completed in 1898, it offers a quiet place to pause near the shops. Look for the church’s religious paintings and artworks inside, then visit the Mary grottoes at the front and back. An underground shopping area beneath the cathedral has cafes and small shops. The church is also a place to attend Mass, including an English-language service on Sunday morning.
A church built in the 1890s
Construction began in 1892, and the cathedral was completed and consecrated in 1898. It was built on a site where Korea’s first Catholics had gathered in 1784. French Catholics funded the building, and King Gojong attended the cornerstone ceremony.
Known officially as the Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception, it is the main cathedral of Korea’s Roman Catholic community and the seat of the Archbishop of Seoul. Its place in the history of Catholicism in Korea is part of what makes a visit more than an architectural stop.
Brickwork and Gothic details
Myeong-dong Cathedral was the first church in Korea built of brick and in the Gothic style. Its steeple rises 45 metres, while the main brick building is 23 metres high. Inside, religious paintings and other artworks decorate the space.
The cathedral also holds the remains of priests and martyrs, including Bishop Laurent Joseph Marie Imbert and priests Peter Simon, Jacques Honoré Chastan and Jean Antoine Charles Pourthie. The building remains an active place of worship, so visitors should respect services and the quiet of the interior.
Mass and the grounds
An English-language Mass is held on Sundays at 9:00 am. Confessions for foreigners take place on Friday afternoons, Saturday afternoons and shortly before the Sunday English Mass. Check the cathedral’s website for current service information before planning around a particular service.
Two Mary grottoes stand at the front and back of the church. At Christmas, an LED rose garden and seasonal decorations add another reason to visit the grounds. The cathedral is above an underground shopping area with cafes and small shops, a practical stop if you want a break from Myeong-dong’s shopping streets.
FAQ
When was Myeong-dong Cathedral built?
Construction began in 1892, and the cathedral was completed and consecrated in 1898.
Is there an English Mass at Myeong-dong Cathedral?
Yes. English Mass is held on Sundays at 9:00 am.
Where are the Mary grottoes?
There are two, one at the front of the church and one at the back.
Can you shop or get coffee beneath the cathedral?
Yes. An underground shopping area below the cathedral has cafes and small shops.
