Seoul Myeongdong Catholic Church Historic Private Walking Tour Discount Tickets

5.0
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 22 reviews |
location pin icon Seoul, South Korea
location pin icon Seoul
5.0 /5
22 reviews
View all Seoul Myeongdong Catholic Church Historic Private Walking Tour photos
View all Seoul Myeongdong Catholic Church Historic Private Walking Tour photos

Get your discount tickets for the Seoul Myeongdong Catholic Church Historic Private Walking Tour, save up to 9% !

Select your ticket

9% OFF Refundable
Seoul Myeongdong Catholic Church Historic Private Walking Tour
FROM

$18.22

REG. $20.00

Overview

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).

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Walk left along the stairway, take to the right, and meet you at the statue of Jesus. See you there!

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. Seoul Archdiocesan Catholic History Museum
The 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.
Duration: 50 mins
2. Start 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.
Duration: 20 mins
3. Myeong-dong Cathedral
The 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.
Duration: 10 mins
4. Myeong-dong Cathedral
Mary'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.
Duration: 15 mins
5. Myeong-dong Cathedral
Coste 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.
Duration: 15 mins
6. Myeongdong Catedral
Mary'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.
Duration: 10 mins

Inclusion

대면 가이드

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Supplied by TCS TOUR LAB

Reviews

5.0

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 22 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars
21
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 stars
0

Explore other options

Rome Hop-on Hop-off Tour with Vatican Ticket

Rome Hop-on Hop-off Tour with Vatican Ticket

Save up to 16%
3-Hours Artisanal Shopping Tour in Rome

3-Hours Artisanal Shopping Tour in Rome

Save up to 14%
Borghese Gallery Hosted Entry Ticket with Audio Guide

Borghese Gallery Hosted Entry Ticket with Audio Guide

Save up to 9%
Unlock Vatican: Private Guided Tour of Museums & Sistine Chapel

Unlock Vatican: Private Guided Tour of Museums & Sistine Chapel

Save up to 16%
Rome Street GastronomicTour

Rome Street GastronomicTour

Save up to 14%
4 Days Tour to Discover the Molise Region

4 Days Tour to Discover the Molise Region

Save up to 16%
Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum with Guided Tour

Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum with Guided Tour

Save up to 16%
Colosseum Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Access in Rome

Colosseum Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Access in Rome

Save up to 9%
Half day private car or van with driver at disposal in Rome

Half day private car or van with driver at disposal in Rome

Save up to 12%
Tivoli and Hadrian's Villa Full day from Rome

Tivoli and Hadrian's Villa Full day from Rome

Save up to 16%