Didn’t Catholicism arrive in Korea through translated Chinese books? The story of Catholicism in Seoul is long and rich. It started with scholars studying translated books. These books introduced them to Catholicism. Lee Seung-hun was baptized in Beijing in 1784. He returned to Korea. He baptized Kim Beom-woo, Yi Byeok, and others. This formed the first Catholic community in Korea.
The early Catholics gathered at Yi Byeok’s house. As the number of believers grew, they moved to Kim Beom-woo’s house. Kim’s house was in Myeongraebang, which is now Myeongdong. However, the government began persecuting Catholics in 1785. Despite the persecution, the Catholic Church of Korea continued to grow. Believers kept their faith. They spread the Gospel even in harsh times.
In 1831, Pope Gregorio XVI designated Chosun as an Apostolic Vicariate. He gave the responsibilities to the Foreign Missionaries of Paris. Even after this, the Korean Catholic Church faced more persecutions. These included the Kihae Persecution in 1839 and the Byeongoh Persecution in 1846. Still, the Church continued to rebuild and train priests. Kim Daegeon became the first Korean priest in 1845. Choi Yangeob was ordained in 1849.
In 1855, Bishop Simeon-Francois Berneux established Saint Joseph’s Seminary. It was in Baeron. The seminary aimed to provide priestly formation and education. He also set up two woodblock printing houses in Seoul. These houses translated and published religious books.
After the Korea-France Treaty in 1886, missionary work became easier. Myeongdong Cathedral was dedicated in 1898. Catholic churches were built across the country. Missionary work flourished. As the number of believers increased, the Apostolic Vicariate of Daegu was established in 1911. It was divided from the Apostolic Vicariate of Chosun. The Apostolic Vicariate of Chosun became the Apostolic Vicariate of Seoul. It had jurisdiction over the northern part of Chungcheong-do.
In 1920, the Apostolic Vicariate of Wonsan was established. It covered Hamkyeong-do and the Gan-do region. In 1927, the Apostolic Prefecture of Pyeongyang was created. In 1936, the fourth parish church in Seoul was built in Yeongdeungpo. The Church faced more challenges during the Japanese colonial era. After Japan started the Pacific War in 1941, the Japanese government arrested foreign missionaries. They tried to replace them with Japanese clergies.
After liberation in 1945, the Apostolic Vicariate of Seoul had 16 parishes. During the Korean War, many churches were destroyed. Priests were arrested and killed. Many believers died. After the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953, the Church focused on recovery. They received support from other countries. The number of Catholics grew. In the late 1950s, there were 29 parishes in the Apostolic Vicariate of Seoul.
The Catholic hierarchy of Korea was established in 1962. Seoul, Daegu, and Gwangju became Archdioceses. The Ecclesiastical Province of Seoul included several dioceses. These were Chuncheon, Incheon, and Daejeon.
In 1984, Pope John Paul II visited Korea. He celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Korean Catholic Church. He also canonized 103 saints. Today, the Archdiocese of Seoul continues to grow. It faces new challenges. It also works to support its community. It participates actively in social movements. The Archdiocese strives to protect human dignity.