Jeondong Catholic Cathedral
전동성당
The earliest Western-style church in the Honam region, a Romanesque-Byzantine red-brick building completed in 1914 on the site of Korea's Catholic martyrdom.
Jeondong Catholic Cathedral stands at the west entrance of Hanok Village, directly opposite Gyeonggijeon. Construction began in 1908 and was completed in 1914. It was designed by French priest Victor Poisnel, who also designed Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul. It is the first Western-style building in the Honam region and is considered one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in Korea. The site was once the execution ground outside Pungnam Gate of the Joseon Dynasty. During the Shinhae Persecution of 1791, Yun Ji-chung and Kwon Sang-yeon, among Korea's earliest Catholic martyrs, were executed here, and the church was built to commemorate them. The red bricks of the exterior are said to have come partly from the demolished Jeonju city walls. The bell tower and dome blend Romanesque and Byzantine styles, and the interior's stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings are well preserved. The church is free to enter for visitors, except during Mass. The courtyard features bronze statues of the martyrs and a statue of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral has been a filming location for works such as Promise, and it is the most popular photo spot for visitors in hanbok. Allow about 30 minutes for a visit. It can be combined with Gyeonggijeon and Pungnam Gate on a walking route. Many hanbok rental shops are concentrated nearby. Getting there: get off at the 'Jeondong Cathedral·Hanok Village' bus stop. Notes: keep quiet during your visit, and do not take photos during Mass. Sunday mornings are busy with Masses, so consider visiting at another time.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00 (visits restricted during Mass)
Nearby sights
- Pungnammun Gate
- Gyeonggijeon Shrine
- Jeonju Nambu Market
- Jeonju Hanok Village
- Omokdae
- Jeonju Traditional Wine Museum
- Jeonju Hyanggyo
- Jeonju Gaeksa (Pungpaejigwan)