Myeongdong Cathedral

Myeongdong Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Myeong-dong, Seoul, marked by two symmetrical towers, pointed arches, and glass windows depicting biblical scenes. The brick structure rises several stories and includes a main nave with wooden pews, side chapels, and a raised sanctuary illuminated by colored windows.

The cathedral was completed in 1898 and became the first Gothic-style parish church on the Korean Peninsula after missionaries from France acquired the site. During the democracy movement of the 1970s and 1980s, church representatives opened the building to activists and offered protection from government intervention.

The building takes its name from the surrounding neighborhood and acts as the seat of the Archbishop of Seoul, marking its position within the country's Catholic life. On Sundays, worshippers from different nations gather here, and the plaza outside becomes a space where people meet and talk after services.

The cathedral stands near exits 5 and 6 of Myeongdong subway station and opens daily from 6 AM to 7 PM for visitors and worshippers. Those wishing to see the interior should be mindful of ongoing services, as silence is expected during these times and photography may be restricted.

The bricks for construction were imported from China, as Korea had no comparable production for such projects at the time. The building also introduced new tools and working methods that Korean craftsmen learned under the guidance of foreign builders.