🌟 Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul — English Mass, History & A Grandma’s Warm Recommendation

Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul ⛪: Korea’s first Gothic Catholic church, historic landmark, offering Sunday English Mass & confession in English. A must-visit spiritual site.

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Hello dear travelers 🌍,
I’m a Catholic grandmother in my seventies 🙋‍♀️. Today, I want to share with you one of the most meaningful and peaceful places in Korea — Myeongdong Cathedral (명동성당), the heart of Catholic faith in Seoul and a must-visit for anyone looking for English Mass or confession in English.

“Night view of Myeongdong Cathedral with illuminated camel sculptures during the Christmas season.”

명동대성당

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📍 Location & Contact

• Address: 74, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea (서울특별시 중구 명동길 74)
• Phone: +82-2-774-1784
• Google Maps: View here
• Official Site: Myeongdong Cathedral
• Visit Seoul Info: Visit Seoul – Myeongdong Cathedral

명동대성당 · 서울특별시 중구 명동길 74

 

 

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💒 Why I Love Myeongdong Cathedral

Whenever I step inside this church, my heart feels calm and full of hope.

• As a Catholic, it is where I feel closest to Mother Mary 🙏.
• As a grandmother, I often pray here for my children and grandchildren’s health.
• Even when the world outside feels noisy, inside this cathedral I find peace and silence.

That is why I always tell visitors: don’t just shop in Myeongdong — step into the cathedral too, and let your soul breathe.

“Standing in front of the majestic Myeongdong Cathedral — a special family visit on a sunny day.”

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🏰 A Must-Visit Historic & Architectural Landmark

• Built between 1892–1898 as Korea’s first Gothic-style brick cathedral.
• Designated Historic Site No. 258.
• A witness to Korea’s Catholic faith and democracy movements.
• An architectural treasure with stained-glass windows, rose windows, and tall spires.

➡️ Truly a must-visit cultural and spiritual landmark in Seoul.
🔗 Official Cathedral History (English)

“Looking up at the Gothic spire of Myeongdong Cathedral — Seoul’s first brick Gothic church.”

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⏰ Mass Schedule (Including English Mass)

• Sunday (Cathedral): 7:00, 9:00 (English), 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00 (Youth), 21:00
• Saturday Vigil: 18:00, 19:00
• Weekdays: 7:00, 10:00, 18:00 (Mon–Fri), plus 19:00 on Tue–Fri

👉 The Sunday 9:00 AM English Mass is best for foreign visitors. Please arrive early since it fills quickly.

“Official Mass Schedule of Myeongdong Cathedral (including English Mass at 9:00 AM on Sundays).”

🔗 Myeongdong Cathedral Mass Times (Official)

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🙏 The Confession Box – Korean & English

One very special thing about Myeongdong Cathedral is its permanent confession box, open nearly every day.

• For Korean speakers (general confession):
  • Tuesday–Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Monday: Closed for general visitors (reserved for clergy and religious)
• For English speakers (Confession in English):
  • Sunday: 8:30 – 8:50 AM (before the English Mass)
  • Friday: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 3:00 – 5:00 PM

During the Lenten season, confessions pause on Holy Thursday to Holy Saturday, resuming on Easter Sunday.

📍 The confessionals are located on the lower floor of the Cathedral, near the side chapels.

💡 As a grandmother, I feel deeply thankful that this place offers confession both in Korean and English. It is a true blessing that anyone can find forgiveness and peace here.

“Confession schedule for foreigners — available before Sunday English Mass and Saturday afternoons.”

🔗 Official Confession Info (Myeongdong Cathedral)

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🌸 What to See Inside

• Stained-glass windows telling Biblical stories.
• Martyrs’ crypt — sacred, honoring Korea’s early Catholics.
• Virgin Mary grotto — a quiet corner for prayer.

“Beautiful stained-glass windows inside Myeongdong Cathedral, filling the church with colorful light.”

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🕊 Visitor Tips

• Entrance is free; dress modestly.
• No sightseeing during Mass; keep voices low.
• Non-Catholics are welcome — just remain seated during Communion.

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🌎 World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul

From August 3–8, 2027, Seoul will host World Youth Day (WYD) — the largest global Catholic youth festival.

✨ Theme : “Take courage! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

This will be the first WYD in Asia since 1995 (Manila), and the first in a Christian-minority country.

📌 Learn more:

• Vatican News – WYD Seoul Preparations
• Vatican Press Office – Official Bulletin
• Wikipedia – World Youth Day 2027

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🌺 A Heartfelt Blessing from a Korean Grandma

Myeongdong Cathedral is more than a sightseeing spot — it is where faith, history, and culture meet.

When you come to Seoul, please light a candle, join Mass, or just sit in silence. You will carry home not only beautiful photos but also peace and blessing in your heart.

May God bless your journey, your family, and your heart.

“Peaceful afternoon at Myeongdong Cathedral courtyard — a serene place in the middle of Seoul.”