Jeondong Catholic Church
Jeonju Jeondong Catholic Cathedral · 전동성당
Today
Why go
Jeonju Jeondong Catholic Cathedral (殿洞聖堂) stands on the site of Korea's first Catholic martyrdom. It is a red-brick Romanesque building and is designated a Historic Site.
Highlights
History
In 1891, 100 years after the martyrdom, Father Baudounet, the first parish priest, secured a site for the parish at the place of martyrdom. Construction of the church began in 1908 to a design by Father Poisnel, who had worked on building Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, and it was completed in 1914.
It is said that when the Residency-General tore down the walls around Pungnammun Gate to open a new road in Jeonju, Father Baudounet took the stones and used them as foundation stones. Those foundation stones still support the building beneath the church. The bricks were fired by about 100 Chinese bricklayers from the earth of the demolished Jeonju Fortress.
It is known as one of the largest and oldest Western-style modern buildings in the Honam region. The stone is said to be granite from Hwangdeungsan Mountain in Iksan, brought by cart, and the timber is said to have been cut on Chimyeongjasan Mountain. Its exterior of grey and red brick resembles Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul. A white statue of Christ stands in front of the cathedral.
Getting there
전북특별자치도 전주시 완산구 태조로 51
Where next
Photos
Tips
- The cathedral is open 09:00–17:00, but this may change depending on the parish's circumstances.
- Mass is still celebrated here. Weekday Masses are at 06:00 (Monday–Saturday) and 11:00 (Tuesday–Friday), and there is a pilgrims' Mass at 16:00 on Saturdays. Sunday Masses are at 06:00, 09:00, 10:30 and 17:00.
Show details
- Address
- 전북특별자치도 전주시 완산구 태조로 51
- Hours
- 09:00–17:00