Seoul

Stored: Seoul

Populated Place: Seoul
37.5665, 126.978
Status (Church Vitality):	Active
Historic:	Yes
Type:	City
Country:	South Korea
Subdivision:	Seoul
Founded:
Population:	9600000
Catholic Population:
Catholic Percentage:	15%
Official Languages:
Catholicism Introduced:
Catholicism Status:
Parishes:	233
Notable Catholic Sites:	Myeongdong Cathedral (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception); Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine; Gahoe-dong Church; Solmoe Shrine (birthplace of St. Andrew Kim Taegon)
Patron Saint:	Saint Andrew Kim Taegon
Website:	https://english.seoul.go.kr

Seoul (Korean: 서울; Hanja: 首爾) is the capital and largest city of South Korea, situated in the northwestern part of the country along the Han River valley, surrounded by mountains. With a population of approximately 9.6 million residents as of early 2025, it anchors the Archdiocese of Seoul, the metropolitan see overseeing one of Asia's most dynamic Catholic communities, where 15% of inhabitants profess the faith amid a landscape etched by martyrdom and renewal. As the cradle of Korean Catholicism—introduced clandestinely in 1784 and forged in 19th-century persecutions—Seoul stands as a testament to the Church's indigenous roots, exemplified by the 103 Korean martyrs canonized in 1984 and the vibrant pilgrim routes tracing their footsteps.

History

Seoul's origins date to the 18th century BC as Wiryeseong, capital of the Baekje kingdom, but its modern founding as Hanyang occurred in 1394 under the Joseon Dynasty, serving as Korea's political and cultural heart for over 500 years.

Early Settlement

Pre-Christian eras saw shamanistic and Confucian influences dominate, with Buddhism waning under Neo-Confucian edicts. Portuguese traders introduced Western books to Macao in the 17th century, but Catholicism's spark ignited in 1784 when Yi Seung-hun, returning from Beijing, brought catechisms and was baptized Paul in 1785—the first Korean convert without missionary aid.

Catholic Evangelization

Persecutions erupted in 1801 (Shinyu), 1839 (Gihae), and 1866 (Byeongin), claiming thousands, including seminarians and laity. French missionaries like Bishop Imbert arrived in 1837, only to face execution. Amid this, native clergy arose: Andrew Kim Taegon, ordained in 1845 in Macau as Korea's first priest, smuggled in Bibles and chalices before his beheading at age 25. Hagiographic accounts describe his final exhortation: "This is my last letter to you, but I hope it will not be the last time I write to you." The 1866 Great Persecution, ordered by Regent Daewongun, martyred 8,000, burying bodies in the Han River—commemorated today at Jeoldusan Shrine.

The Korean Empire's 1897 establishment and Japanese occupation (1910–1945) allowed fragile growth. Liberation in 1945 and the Korean War (1950–1953) divided the peninsula, but Seoul's Catholics rebuilt, with Myeongdong Cathedral consecrated in 1898 as the first brick edifice.

Modern Faith Life

The Archdiocese of Seoul, erected 1831 as the Apostolic Vicariate of Korea and elevated 1962, now serves 1.53 million Catholics through 233 parishes as of 2024 statistics. Pope John Paul II's 1984 canonization of 103 martyrs galvanized youth; his 1989 Seoul Mass drew 300,000. Today, amid rapid secularization, the faithful sustain 969 priests, 233 parishes, and initiatives like the Seoul Pilgrimage Route—Vatican's first Asian international path. World Youth Day 2027 preparations foster synodal dialogue, with 16.3% Catholic adherence in the archdiocese.

Geography and demographics

Seoul spans across 605 square kilometers of basin terrain, hemmed by peaks like Bukhansan—ideal for Lenten ascents and monastic retreats.

As of 1Q 2025, the city proper houses 9,602,826 souls, with Catholics numbering about 1.44 million (15% per diocesan baptismal tallies). Korean is official; English supplements multicultural liturgies for 200,000 foreign faithful.

The archdiocese administers 233 parishes across 14 districts, bolstered by 1,200 religious sisters and 50 seminarians. Pivotal sacramental loci encompass the Myeongdong Cathedral (Gothic Revival seat of the Immaculate Conception, 1898, hosting midnight Christmas Masses for 5,000); Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine (site of 1866 beheadings, with crypt relics and Han River vista); Gahoe-dong Church (oldest parish, 1790, cradle of early converts); and Solmoe Shrine (birthplace of St. Andrew Kim, with museum and annual September pilgrimage). Patronal devotion to Saint Andrew Kim Taegon (20 September) unites laity in processions and catechetical schools.

Government and culture

Seoul's directly elected mayor oversees a unitary system emphasizing interfaith harmony. Catholic imprints grace civic rites: the Martyrs' Day (21 September) ecumenical vigil at Jeoldusan; Christmas Eve carillon from Myeongdong; and Lent 40-Hour Adoration citywide.

Neo-Gothic spires pierce the skyline alongside hanok villages; the Seoul Pilgrimage Route weaves 33 stations through historic alleys, blending Joseon gates with confessional niches. The Catholic Culture Center curates martyr artifacts, from bloodied surplices to handwritten catechisms.

Notable Catholic figures

• Saint Andrew Kim Taegon (1821–1846) – first Korean priest; martyred by drowning; principal patron of Korean clergy.
• Saint Paul Chong Hasang (1794–1839) – lay catechist; beheaded in Gihae Persecution; co-patron of the laity.
• Saint Lawrence Mary Joseph Imbert (1796–1839) – French bishop; crucified upside-down; pioneer missionary.
• Saint John Ri Mun-u (1814–1866) – lay martyr; father of nine, executed with family.
• Cardinal Stephen Sou-hwan Kim (1922–2009) – archbishop (1968–1998); bridged post-war reconciliation.
• Blessed Maria Yu Jung-il (d. 1839) – young widow; Gihae martyr, symbol of spousal fidelity.

Related

• South Korea
• Seoul
• Archdiocese of Seoul
• Andrew Kim Taegon
• Korean Martyrs