St. Nicholas Cathedral, Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Ahyeon-dong, Seoul, South Korea
St. Nicholas Cathedral in Seoul is a church building featuring Byzantine-style architecture with domes, mosaics, and interlocking decorative patterns typical of Eastern Orthodox sacred structures. The building spans multiple levels and combines traditional religious design with local construction materials.
The original structure built in 1903 served the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission but was destroyed during the Korean War. The current cathedral was completed in 1968 on the site of the former church.
The cathedral houses two important icons brought by early Russian missionaries: the Theotokos of Tikhvin and Seraphim of Sarov. These religious works shape the interior space and remain visible to visitors today.
The building is best viewed from street level, where its distinctive architecture stands out against the urban backdrop. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and approach respectfully, particularly during the regular services held throughout the week.
Greek soldiers stationed as peacekeeping forces under United Nations command contributed funds toward this building's construction. This international collaboration remains an unusual part of the cathedral's history.
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