Ganghwa Anglican Cathedral

Ganghwa Anglican Cathedral is a church with basilica design in Ganghwa County that displays traditional Korean wood techniques and tiled roofing. Multiple entrance gates lead inward toward the worship space, following a sequential layout that guides visitors through the grounds.

The building was constructed around 1900 under Bishop Charles Corfe's leadership and became the first Anglican church on the Korean peninsula. This founding moment marked the beginning of this faith tradition in the region.

The building blends Western basilica interiors with Korean construction methods that reflect local craftsmanship traditions. This combination appears clearly in how the space is organized and decorated, showing a place where two architectural worlds meet.

The site sits on elevated ground in Ganghwa County and requires passing through several entrance gates to reach the main building. Visitors can explore the different levels and pathways across the grounds on most days, which helps them understand the spatial flow of the place.

The construction used timber sourced from areas near the Yalu River, showing connections between different regions during that period. The design also incorporated layout principles borrowed from Buddhist temples, helping the new church feel culturally rooted in its setting rather than foreign to local traditions.

Location: Ganghwa County

Location: Incheon

Inception: 1900

Architectural style: basilica

GPS coordinates: 37.74889,126.48778

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:47